To kick things off, each participant introduced themselves, their practice, and their urge to be part of SURGE II. The cross-disciplinary nature of the project was unveiled. Artists were picked from courses in Art Direction and Performance Design, right through to Photography and Data Visualisation, all with the ambition of being mediators between the science and public.

The strength of WEISS’ engineering and clinical sciences is demonstrated in the work being carried out by the clinicians and computer scientists taking part in the project. The communal drive to apply their practice in an accessible and personable manner to enrich the patient experience, lays the foundations for which the artists can meaningfully contribute and make the often invisible, visible – pain, recovery, trauma, movement.

By creating these partnerships and integrating each respective discipline, patient groups will have the space to holistically unpack their experiences and inform the collective journey.

What could an output look like?

For a disciplinary amalgamation to align, the space to learn from others and understand new perspectives is essential. Conversations and speculative research often will be the output.

However, looking back to last year’s SURGE I, commissioned projects concluded in 3D prototypes, creative patient support platforms and immersive virtual experiences. It is of significant note that partnerships from 2021 continue to work together alongside their own academic and professional commitments.