Art + Science: A Neuroscience Lab Residency with mentor Dr. Sari Hannila

Program dates: June or July 2024
Application deadline: Wednesday, April 18, 2023 at noon
Cost to the successful applicant: $200
For MAWA members of all genders

This project is an extraordinary opportunity to have access to an Associate Professor of Neuroscience and the facilities of her lab. It is also an invitation to question the assumptions of science through art.

Dr. Sari Hannila will work intensively with an established artist at the University of Manitoba’s Bannatyne campus (Health Sciences) for approximately 40 hours over the course of one week or one month (to be determined by the artist and Dr. Hannila.) The purpose of the residency will be to conduct experiments exploring a specific artist-driven question.

In addition to Dr. Hannila’s expertise and guidance, the succesful applicant will have access to: microscopes, centrifuges, protein separators, lab glassware, basic lab chemicals, tissue samples, histological stains, live cells, pH testing, vortex mixers, pipettes, microscales and more. Unconventional materials could be viewed under the microscope, animators could film timelapse cell growth, painters could experiment with centrifuges and performance artists could apply a scientific process to the body! The lab space itself could also serve as a backdrop for photography or performance. The possibilities are vast. Use the time for production, research or experimentation. In the words of MAWA’s first two residents, Sarah Fuller and Alain Delannoy, the experience was “mindblowing” and significantly impacted their practices.

Note: The use of animals is not permitted. Depending on the nature of the proposed work, the successful applicant may be required to take online lab safety (WHMIS) training.

Email your application to Adriana at [email protected] and put “Art + Science April” in the subject line.

Submit a single PDF document containing:

• a letter stating specifically what question/hypothesis you want to explore and your ideas regarding methodology; note that it is important to state what you want to do in the lab using the tools of science, not just questions you want to explore
• an artist résumé of no more than 3 pages with contact information
• 5-10 images of your work with caption information or up to 3 minutes of video

After Dr. Hannila receives the submissions, there may be an interview process to select the successful applicant.

There is no fee to apply, but you must be a MAWA member. If you are not, please also submit a membership form and payment. MAWA membership costs $30/year or $15 for those with a low income.