In Vivo, in Vitro, in Form. (360G-Wellcome-079112_Z_06_Z)

In vivo, in vitro, in form This project raises awareness to biomedical developments in the design, manufacture and use of artificial and organic replacement and regenerated body parts through the medium of artistic expression. It will enable scientists to engage with young people to inform and inspire their art work and performance. This art work will be used to inform other young people about the science: 'science inspired art informing young people'. A digital artist will work with secondary students and primary pupils from Wirral schools to design and produce robotic puppets with unusual abilities for use in animation and performance. Students will also produce futuristic digital images of designer replacement limbs and animations that will stimulate discussion and story telling. Inspiration for this work will come from meeting amputees, scientists, prosthetists, robotic engineers and inspiring role models. Five artists in residence at local secondary schools will provoke debate through art: Perfection/Imperfection. Through selective choice of materials and styles, students' work will reveal a person that some people might describe as imperfect, as 'perfect'. We intend to exhibit these sculptures individually in public places to provoke reaction. Work-in-progress will form a walkthrough installation in the Wirral schools art exhibition. The year long project will culminate in eight innovative and experimental life performances communicating the history of prosthetics and future advancements in regenerative biomedical research to a young audience. Challenging and thought provoking debates through live, video conference and web-based formats will cover the controversial issues raised by this project.