Michigan State University’s Science Gallery Detroit will open its second exhibition, DEPTH, on June 8 in partnership with the Michigan Science Center, or MiSci. The exhibition will be free to the public, located inside MiSci.
Part art gallery, part science lab, part theater, Science Gallery Detroit’s new exhibit will explore the world’s connection to water.
“MSU believes that Science Gallery is one of the most important public engagement projects in the world, and this summer we are thrilled to partner with the Michigan Science Center to explore big ideas through science and art,” said Jeff Grabill, director of Science Gallery Detroit and associate provost for teaching, learning and technology at MSU. “Our effort to make opportunities to learn available to all should make for an exciting summer.”
DEPTH will explore water’s intense power — one that creates catastrophic storms and floods – while also showcasing the beauty and life it brings. Water comprises most of the human body and much of the natural world, but there are shortages, droughts and pollution. Overall, it’s taken for granted. DEPTH will invite visitors to imagine the future of mankind in relation to water and ask: what will that future be?
Asking questions like this will be the job of more than 20 Detroit-area mediators —18- to 25-year-old young adults passionate about combining art and science. Equal parts provocateur, communicator and tour guide, mediators will lead visitors through a deeper exploration of DEPTH by sparking conversations and sharing stories.
DEPTH will feature more than two dozen exhibits from artists around the world. Several MSU scientists and artists are creating pieces for DEPTH, including one which will show ways in which plastic fouls the oceans; another will create small underwater explosions through separating water molecules of hydrogen and oxygen, and one will let visitors experience water’s restorative values through the Anishinaabe Native American ways of connecting constellations to ecosystems.
DEPTH will be on display June 8 through Aug. 17. Last year, more than 10,000 visitors attended Science Gallery Detroit’s inaugural exhibit HUSTLE.
“We’re pleased to partner with Michigan State University’s Science Gallery Detroit to bring this transformative science experience to curious minds of all ages,” said John Anderson, interim CEO of the Michigan Science Center. “Science Gallery Detroit’s dedication to science and art aligns perfectly with our vision to empower and enrich our community through STEM.”
Science Gallery Detroit
Science Gallery Detroit, launched in summer 2018, is a collaborative initiative presented by Michigan State University and Science Gallery International with a $1 million grant from its founding partner, MSU Federal Credit Union. Currently, the Science Gallery Network consists of seven locations worldwide: Dublin, London, Venice, Bengaluru, Melbourne, Rotterdam and Detroit, which is the first city in North America to have its own Science Gallery. Science Gallery is an award-winning international initiative pioneered by Trinity College Dublin that delivers a dynamic new model for engaging 15- to 25-year olds with science and art.
Science Gallery Network
Science Gallery is the world’s only university network dedicated to public engagement with science and art. The Science Gallery Network consists of leading universities united around a singular mission: to ignite creativity and discovery where science and art collide. Science Gallery International is the non-profit, charitable organization catalyzing the growth of the network, providing services, tools and resources required to power and expand this unique global collaboration, which now has seven members across four continents: the pioneering member Trinity College Dublin (Ireland); King's College London (The United Kingdom); The University of Melbourne (Australia); the Indian Institute of Science, Srishti School of Art Design and Technology, The National Centre for Biological Sciences (India); Ca' Foscari University of Venice (Italy); Michigan State University (United States); and Erasmus University Medical Center (The Netherlands). For more information about the Network, visit: sciencegallery.org
Michigan Science Center
The Michigan Science Center inspires nearly 300,000 curious minds of all ages every year through STEM (science, technology, engineering, and math) discovery, innovation and interactive education in Detroit and across the state of Michigan. As the STEM hub of the state, we focus on developing and introducing expanded education programs, exhibits and initiatives that enable us to empower and enrich all children and all communities with STEM. Through our Traveling Science Program and distance learning initiative, we are expanding beyond our Detroit-based facility, with a goal of reaching all 83 counties of Michigan. With Toyota’s 4D Engineering Theater, live stage shows, a Planetarium, lab activities, 250+ hands-on exhibits, and more, there are dozens of ways to customize your MiSci visit. The Michigan Science Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization and does not receive support from the City of Detroit or the State of Michigan. For more information, please call 313.577.8400 or visit the website, Mi-Sci.org.