In 2018 Ocean Networks Canada initiated an Artist in Residence program,
despite uncertainties about what to expect and how to best manage it. To
our surprise, the announcement call attracted immediate interest from
artists around the world. Partnering with the University of Victoria
Faculty of Fine Arts, we formed a selection committee who chose our
first Artist in Residence. Since then, the program has exceeded our
expectations and brought us into the compelling realm of
transdisciplinary collaboration between ocean science and the arts. This
collaboration is bearing fruit not only through the creation of new
artistic works, but also as a venue for hosting conversations that can
help bridge disciplinary boundaries across campus and across continents.
This presentation will recap our Artist in Residence program and the
artists who have been engaged both formally and informally through this
initiative, as well as some of the fascinating and diverse work they
have produced. We will describe our management processes, outreach
efforts and some of the new challenges and opportunities we have
encountered along the way. We will also share advice and insights from
artists who have engaged in explorations along the Art-Science
interface.