In 2019, when we came up with the idea of connecting young systems engineering scientists with 250 international artists during the Locarno Film Festival's BaseCamp, we had no idea of the impact this collaboration would have on both the festival and our NCCR MSE. There could hardly be a more fruitful and intense way for young researchers to improve their scientific communication skills, to leave their scientific bubble and to get in touch with talents representing a different professional "world", which is not so different after all: both endeavors, artistic and scientific, aim at explaining and making sense of this world.
So, from 6 - 17 August 2025 we will again send a group of young Science Ambassadors (PhD/Postdoc level) to participate in this year’s “Basecamp Laboratory of Ideas”.
Next to watching movies, and networking amongst 250 audio visual artists we will participate in an art project developed by Zurich based "WE ARE AIA" - an art space that develops transdisciplinary interventions based on traditional knowledge in collaboration with artists, scientists, local initiatives and experts. It distinguishes itself through its impact-oriented care-driven, independent work and educational programmes, taking on a pioneering role in the Swiss cultural scene.
Together with AIA we will focus on a specific project that explores rivers not only as natural phenomena but as "open fields of wetness". Their goal is to transcend traditional disciplinary boundaries, recognizing that the language and imagery of landscapes are deeply intertwined, and that many of our experiences of the world are not easily translatable into other languages or categories. Part of their aim is also to develop an "aquatic glossary", reimagining water through different cultural perspectives.
We will organize events dedicated to these themes through a capsule project along the riversides of Locarno.
Would you like to be a part of our Ambassadors of Science team at this year’s Locarno Film Festival? Apply now (1 A4 page max.) and share with us:
- A brief introduction about yourself.
- Your enthusiasm for ArtSci collaborations.
- Your proficiency in science communication.
- Your engagement with contemporary art.
- Your insights and ideas regarding digital, environmental, and social survival.
Along with your application letter, please include a short CV.
Send you application until 18 May to ralf.stutzki(at)unibas.ch
Coming soon!