Meaningful Art–Science Interactions An Inter and Transdisciplinary Palette

What can art and science learn from each other? What happens when science meets arts? Drawing on concrete cases, this book explores the diverse forms of science-art interactions through an interdisciplinary lens, highlighting insights and experiences. This book originates from the Palettes research project at KU Leuven, an interdisciplinary initiative supported by Methusalem funding, one of Belgium’s most prestigious long-term research grants awarded to internationally recognized scholars. As the development of the chapters is coordinated within the project and supported by close collaboration across disciplines, the book maintains a clear and shared focus, namely: what makes these art- science interactions in their specific case contexts ‘meaningful’, and what others can learn from them. At the same time, it embraces an interdisciplinary perspective that reflects the diversity of approaches and perceptions within the project, allowing the individual cases to generate broader, transferable insights. Across the chapters, the leading question is what makes these interactions and collaborations both meaningful and challenging. It offers an in-depth understanding of integrating art in scientific research as a distinct way of knowing and engaging with the world, rather than as a mere instrument or tool, while providing guidance for navigating challenges.