Co stanowi intelektualny fundament współpracy ludzi sztuki z naukowcami? Dlaczego interakcje artystów i biologów są ważne? Jakie korzyści mogą odnosić oba środowiska, współpracując z sobą? Jakie nowe możliwości w przyszłości daje dialog biologów molekularnych z artystami sztuk wizualnych?

In this paper we described three Art & Science projects organized by the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology (Polish Academy of Sciences), Marcel Nencki Foundation for the Support of Biological Sciences and the Art Department of the University of Rzeszów. First project, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Nencki Institute, was entitled “Biological imaging: inspiration by invisible world” and took place in Mikołajki in 2017. Next two projects were relating to “Art of Biodiversity” (Rzeszów, 2018) and “Power of Biological Structures” (Przeworsk, 2019). The aim of the projects was to introduce ideas of modern experimental biology to artist. All symposia/workshops were followed by few exhibitions at the Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology, Art Department of the University of Rzeszów, etc. Some of paintings originated during these projects established Nencki Art Collection, collection of modern art at Nencki Institute of Experimental Biology.

What shared intellectual foundations underpin collaboration between the artistic community and scientists? What benefits can artists and biologists derive from working together? Can their very different spheres of creativity support one another?