Abstract
The world is facing increasing inequalities in a variety of domains, including the distribution of wealth, social justice, access to healthcare, educational opportunities, environmental conditions, and cultural representation. The complexity inherent in tackling these challenges requires the formation of strategic partnerships and the cultivation of synergies. In this context, the integration of art and science stands out as a particularly promising path to foster societal transformation and spur the creation of innovative solutions. The present paper draws on the experiences gained from an art-science project - exCHANGE - born from the collaboration between a local artist association (the Südtiroler Künstlerbund) and a research institution (Eurac Research) in South Tyrol (Italy). exCHANGE brings together six artists and six researchers from different disciplines carefully chosen to collectively explore and address specific facets of inequalities. The project takes place from March to September 2024 and culminates with a final exhibition open for two weeks in October 2024 in Bolzano (Italy). exCHANGE thus spans six months during which the six transdisciplinary tandems, each accompanied by a tutor, work together to create novel insights and tangible outcomes through the fusion of artistic expression and scientific inquiry. Participants include researchers from social and natural sciences and artists from visual arts and literature. Topics being addressed include inequalities linked to motherhood, climate change, water accessibility, use of public spaces, disparities between human and non-human entities, and inequalities from the perspective of bus drivers, situated at the nexus between mobility and labour.
The project exCHANGE applies a meta-research lens to continuously monitor the progress and dynamics within the six parallel projects. A multi-method qualitative approach is employed, which includes participant observation, reflective diaries, and focus groups with the participants every quarter to foster a comprehensive understanding of the collaborative processes within the project. The meta-research lens applied to the collaborative processes within the project provides a depth of insights, contributing to the growing body of literature on interdisciplinary collaboration. By sharing lessons learnt, best practices, and possible pitfalls, this contribution aims to inspire future endeavours that harness the power of art-science integration to break down barriers between disciplines and generate new ideas and solutions to pressing problems.
Finally, the paper concludes by discussing future perspectives of such initiatives, emphasizing the necessity of monitoring the broader societal impact of such collaborations, including their effects on participants, event attendees, and society at large.