Science World Launches Artist-in-Residence Program With Tsawwassen-based Multidisciplinary Artist Bettina Harvey

Science World, B.C. is pleased to launch its Artist-in-Residence (AiR) program at the iconic dome starting this Friday, October 14th. Bettina Harvey, a multidisciplinary artist whose work of late has been focused on the microscopic world in her own backyard in Tsawwassen, BC, will be the first artist as a part of this program. In her artist residency, Harvey will be responding to her backyard biodiversity study by engaging in scientific and community dialogue and expanding her current practice. By drawing primarily from her microbial observations, she will explore themes of interconnection, perception, empathy, and resilience.

Science World’s AiR program aims to connect the realms of art and science in an engaging, informal way. The AiR program continues the rich history of art & science informing one another as process-based practices are often led by inquisitiveness about the world around us. In the residency, the artist draws upon scientific research, questions, theories and principles as a source of inspiration, creating a new body of work or expanding on an existing one. The artwork will be display and grow and change as the residency progresses.

“I’m thrilled to be the inaugural artist in Artist-in-Residence at Science World and look forward to working together with the organization to build out this program for future artists,” said Bettina Harvey. “Through this partnership, I’ll be able to work with brilliant scientists and have access to other resources I may not have otherwise. As a part of AiR, I’ll be creating a variety of new works, such as large-scale drawings of microscopic life forms, to explore the connection of how the smallest of organisms play a role in our world.”

Harvey will also be connecting with Dr. Margo Moore, Professor Emerita and microbiologist, to explore her scientific work as an inspiration for the residency.

As a part of this program, artists get a $3,000 stipend and space at Science World to work as they create their art pieces. Members of the public will get the opportunity to watch the artist at work when they are on site and engage with them as they explore their project. This creation of AiR aligns with Science World’s goal to increase engagement with STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts & design and math) learning by bridging the gap between art and science. Artists who are interested in applying for future access to the program can email art@nullscienceworld.ca for more information.
Get an up-close look at the artist at work:

Free with admission
Location: First Floor Atrium at Science World, 1455 Quebec Street
October 15–February 27th, with the artist onsite at Science World on different days from Oct 15–Dec 15th

About Science World
Science World is a BC-based charitable organization that engages the people of British Columbia in STEAM literacy. Their mission is to ignite wonder and empower dreams through science and nature. Their vision is that within a generation, Canada will be a country of thriving, sustainable communities rooted in science, innovation and a deep connection to nature.

Media release and images provided by Larissa Dundon, the tea Communications.