2014 marked the 20th anniversary year of Arts Catalyst and here we celebrate some of the 120 artists’ projects that we have commissioned over those two decades.

Based in London, Arts Catalyst is one of the UK’s most distinctive arts organisations, distinguished by ambitious artists’ projects that engage with the ideas and impact of science. We are acknowledged internationally as a pioneer in this field and a leader in experimental art, known for our curatorial flair, scale of ambition and critical acuity.

Our primary focus is new artists’ commissions, presented as exhibitions, events and participatory projects, that are accessible, stimulating and artistically relevant. We aim to produce provocative and risk-taking projects that spark dynamic conversations about our changing world. This is underpinned by research and dialogue between artists and world-class scientists and researchers.

We have a deep commitment to artists and artistic process. We work with artists at pivotal stages in their careers, providing opportunities for them to develop bold projects in unusual contexts. This small booklet draws together some examples of projects that have involved:

• flying teams of artists and scientists in zero gravity in Russia
• recreating historical bio-warfare experiments off the coast of Scotland
• setting up live scientific experiments as art installations
• siting futuristic art-science labs in remote landscapes
• enabling artists’ access to restricted scientific establishments

We continue to produce projects that develop enduring themes around deep time, autonomous research, bioethics, and the global commons (oceans, poles, atmosphere and outer space), working with both established and emerging artists to create inspiring and thought-provoking new art experiences.

PUBLICATION DETAILS

Download a copy of a new publication, showcasing some landmark projects from the first 20 years from the column on the left.