Art+Science
Through several programs, our Art+Science initiative aims to build dialogue between artists and scientists, and change the way each thinks.
Together, art and science have the power to transform.
At NCEAS, we believe Art and Science play key roles in nurturing the innovative thinking we need to deal with the complex changes we are currently experiencing across the globe.
While they each communicate the complexity of our world differently - science with data and facts, art with the imagination and feelings - both entail a process of asking new questions and exposing possible answers.
Our Art+Science initiative is structured around three different programs: an artist-in-residence program, gallery space and events for local artists, and embedding artists into working group research.
Artist in Residence program
Our artist-in-residence program is a unique opportunity for artists and environmental scientists to come together to work in dialogue and inspire each other. Our goal is to unleash new levels of creativity and innovation in the ways we think about, communicate, and solve the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.
This opportunity is open to artists of all sorts, such as painters, poets, musicians, photographers, illustrators, printmakers, playwrights, digital artists, and more. Artist residents will be able to work at our headquarters and interact with our resident and visiting researchers.
Benefits of the residency
- Up to three months of accommodation provided by 'PrismaVera', a charming artists retreat located in Santa Barbara.
- Office space at NCEAS, located in downtown Santa Barbara.
- Funding for travel and supplies.
- Interactions with a diversity of scientists spanning a range of environmental topics.
- Opportunities to give on-campus lectures at NCEAS & UC Santa Barbara’s main campus.
- A Downtown Santa Barbara 'First Thursday' exhibition
How to apply
Our 2025 Artists have already been selected. We will reopen the call for 2026 applicants in the Fall of 2025.
2025 Artists in Residence
2024 Artist in Residence
2023 Artists in Residence
2020 Artists in Residence
2019 Artists in Residence
2018 Artists in Residence
Embedding artists into working group science
We are exploring ways to support projects to embed artists within a working group setting to allow for more focused and sustained dialogue, and resources to study and evaluate that process and its outcomes
Art + Science Gallery Space
We periodically host environmental science-themed exhibitions by local artists at our office in downtown Santa Barbara.
Murals by 2023 artist Leila Youssefi
Art is a process of observation. So is science. They have a natural correspondence to build on.