At the Edge of their Universe: Artists, Scientists and Outsiders at CERN

Abstract

This thesis explores the historical and contemporary practices of cultural engagement and management at the European Organisation for Nuclear Research (CERN). It considers the history of art at CERN, and the role of the artists who have engaged with the organisation. Furthermore, it traces CERN's history from the beginning of the organisation in 1954 to the contemporary art programme Arts@CERN, including the artist-in-residency competition Collide@CERN (both initiated in 2011). Approaching the topic from an interdisciplinary angle, the thesis utilises art history, science history, critical studies of branding and public relations, science communication and various theoretical disciplines in order to understand why selected artists are being invited to collaborate with CERN today. My original contribution to knowledge is a case study showing the institutional nature of SciArt (an art genre that combines art and science) at CERN, connecting this to the institutional use of art and artists as public relations.

Date of Award	31 Dec 2016
Original language	English
Awarding Institution	The University of Manchester
Supervisor	David Lomas (Supervisor) & Jeff Hughes (Supervisor)