ASCUS Art & Science is a non-profit organisation dedicated to bringing together art, science and beyond in the name of play, curiosity and experimentation.
ASCUS has facilitated projects at the intersection of art and science by both UK and international artists including Oron Catts, Marta de Menezes, Susan Aldworth, Hannah Imlach and Aurelie Fontan.
At our publicly-accessible lab in Edinburgh, we foster interdisciplinary collaboration, host public engagement events, and provide a hands-on space for exploring microbiology, microscopy, and DNA analysis.
What’s on
Our Story
Founded in 2008, ASCUS fosters collaboration between artists, designers, scientists, and other disciplines to encourage experimentation, engage wider audiences, and spark curiosity. It is dedicated to art-science intersections rather than being solely an arts or scientific organisation.
OUR LAB FACILITY
We wanted to break the barrier that labs are only for scientists, believing they should be accessible to everyone. This led us to open our own publicly accessible lab at Summerhall, Edinburgh, in 2016, where art and science intersect. Our unique space provides hands-on exposure to scientific concepts, making science more inclusive and engaging.
What we offer
For Creatives
We encourage creative projects that challenge how we think about art, science, and the role of technology in society. If you want to explore science-based techniques in your creative practice but have faced barriers to accessing expertise or lab space, that’s exactly why we started ASCUS Lab. Our lab is open to everyone, with our technician providing training and project support.
For Scientists and Researchers
Scientific research can be hard to communicate to public audiences unfamiliar with the details. We’d love to collaborate with you to create workshops and hands-on activities that make your research accessible, engaging, and fun—offering a window into real science happening today.
For Everyone
Whether you're a science hobbyist with a project, a curious mind eager to learn, or just want to explore and have fun, our lab is for you! No experience? No problem—we offer training for everyone. Plus, we run exciting workshops, so keep an eye on our website and social media for updates!
SUPPORT ASCUS
ASCUS Art & Science, a small non-profit, is still feeling the impact of Covid-19. We rely on external funding to keep our lab and workshops affordable. Support our mission to connect art, design, and science by donating through the link below.
From the Blog
