Meeting the scientists here, particularly those with whom I share an interest in nature and in environmental concerns, has helped me understand better what drives me as an artist. I now have a clear vision of the path I will take henceforth and how to relate my work as an artist to wider societal concerns. I intend to work in tandem with scientists for the foreseeable future.

Méadhbh O'Connor 

For me, the interaction with UCD Parity Studios has been a means of developing my work in ways otherwise impossible. It has prompted me to view my own work in a rather different light. This whole experience has encouraged me to redescribe my concerns and to move more towards areas I would have found impenetrable or even inappropriate before (religious studies in particular).

Prof. Fred Cummins, UCD School of Computer Science

UCD lectures and seminars, workshops and societies are invaluable to have at the doorstep of your studio and I actively sought out relationships with people running these.

Sonia Shiel 

Working with artist Marie Brett has provided us with something that is not just engaging with the rest of the community, but has also engaged us as researchers in thinking a little bit differently, a little bit more creatively, and perhaps even a little bit more deeply about the research conclusions that we are drawing from this project, looking a the European Union and its pursuit of global justice.

Prof. Ben Tonra, UCD School of Politics and International Relations

Participation in human rights lectures over the last year, particularly the human rights clinic led by Maeve O’Rourke, and courses taught by Judy Walsh, Suzanne Egan and Liam Thornton, has really expanded my frame of reference in considering art and social justice issues. I don’t think I could have accessed this knowledge any other way except through participation in the UCD residency. 

Sarah Browne

In working with Siobhan McDonald, I began to appreciate the value of new language in communicating my science across an interdisciplinary boundary. This dialogue also opened me up to new ways of hearing about spectroscopy, light & colour. I have learned to look at my science in a new way and to communicate it more effectively to disparate groups.

Prof. Padraig Dunne, UCD School of Physics

This residency is a unique  programme, both for  its vision and opportunities for collaboration. It has so much potential and offers a real good period of time to develop projects and try new pathways of research. The funding is really important as it allows the artist to create and have time to invest in their practice. I think over the years the Alumni will become a special marker for excellent artists both in Ireland and Internationally.

Brian Duggan

This residency has supported my most significant body of work to date. Artists are increasingly engaging with scientific research as a primary source of inspiration, as its language and outcomes are continuously becoming the most dominant means through which our world is shaped. Access to the experts in UCD has been incredibly fruitful and definitely informed my understanding of genomics and its use in bovine animals.

Maria McKinney

My experience of the residency has been one of wonderment in a world of endless possibilities and encouragement.

Siobhán McDonald 

A valuable opportunity to move between different areas of specialisation and see the crossovers. One train of thought can be followed up with other experts working in a connected field within a matter of days.

Fiona Marron 

It was great being involved in artist Vanessa Daw’s swimming expedition. It was definitely an experience that took me out of my comfort zone and made me think much more philosophically about the impact on experiences and how different environments of the microbiome can change in the short and long term.

Dr. Jennifer Mitchell, UCD School of Biology and Environmental Science