SymbioticA, The University of Western Australia

SymbioticA, based at The University of Western Australia is the first research laboratory of its kind, enabling artists and researchers to engage in wet biology practices in a biological science department. It also hosts residents, workshops, exhibitions and symposia.

With an emphasis on experiential practice, SymbioticA encourages better understanding and articulation of cultural ideas around scientific knowledge and informed critique of the ethical and cultural issues of life manipulation.

SymbioticA offers new means of artistic inquiry, one in which artists actively use the tools and technologies of the life sciences, not just to comment about them, but also to explore their possibilities. Researchers pursue open ended curiosity-based explorations, whilst still complying with ethics and health and safety regulations. As a mark of international and local recognition of its activities, SymbioticA was awarded the inaugural Golden Nica for Hybrid Arts in the Prix Ars Electronica in 2007, and the WA Premier Award in 2008.

Based in one of the top research universities in Australia since 2000, SymbioticA has developed best practice systems for dealing with ethics approvals and health and safety compliance together with, innovative ways of displaying biological, environmental and socially sensitive artworks. In addition, repeatedly supporting complex collaborative work has enabled SymbioticA to develop clear framework for negotiating terms of intellectual property in fields where there may be little or no reference.