Society often positions the science and the arts as distinct, separate fields. But, Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) seeks to bridge this divide by merging art and science, fostering curiosity and appreciation among young minds. Established in 2021 as a not-for-profit public institution, SGB is dedicated to reintegrating science into popular culture in India by blending it with art, and making it accessible to people from all backgrounds.

The recent Carbon exhibition at SGB, Bengaluru, is one such example of a creative amalgamation of science and the arts to narrate the story of Carbon as an element. In the age of climate change, Carbon is often portrayed negatively, with terms like ​“carbon footprint” emphasising the urgent need for climate action. The Carbon exhibition aimed to expand this viewpoint by showcasing the diverse aspects of the element. It offered insights into Carbon’s crucial role in life formation and its significance as an energy source, like coal. 

Through this approach, the exhibition prompted visitors to reconsider the narrative about Carbon and its implications.

Who are CARBON mediators?

The Carbon exhibition at SGB, held from January to June 2024, featured 36 carefully curated exhibits designed to captivate the public and spark discussions on crucial climate change issues. To facilitate these conversations, a team of trained and enthusiastic mediators were inducted as part of the CARBON mediator programme.

Each mediator was assigned 3 – 4 exhibits and engaged in discussions with visitors who interpreted the exhibits based on their own belief systems, influenced by factors such as age, occupation, and religion.

Despite extensive discussions on Carbon, the mediators initially had little to no understanding of the element. They came from diverse academic backgrounds, with some having some training in science and others having none. For example, Bhavitraa Thilagar, who holds a postgraduate degree in information design from the Srishti Manipal Institute of Arts, Design, and Technology, Bangalore, joined SGB after a few internships in design. Harsha Jagadeesh, a BS-MS student at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Tirupati, joined the mediator programme because, as Jagadeesh says, ​“I was searching for different career options other than a PhD, and I was sure of not leaving science completely.”

Jagath V, who left his PhD at the National Centre for Biological Sciences (NCBS), says he ​“had an inclination towards science communication and engagement.” Before joining SGB, Jagath V spent some time at the Archives at NCBS. Divya Jajali, who holds a bachelor’s in physics from Azim Premji University, took a year gap to join the CARBON mediator program and plans to pursue higher education further.

While these CARBON mediators come from diverse academic backgrounds and training, they all were connected by their shared passion for science engagement.

Talking about CARBON

The year-long CARBON Mediator programme trained mediators to facilitate conversations by integrating subject knowledge and communication skills. They attended Carbon 1−0−1 lectures from both scientists and social scientists, providing them with a multi-faceted perspective on carbon. Additionally, they participated in a workshop on cross-cultural climate curriculum organised by the University of Melbourne, Australia, as part of their training.

They also had deep discussions with the artists to understand the approach, motivation, and intricacies of the art. These discussions proved useful, as Jajali remembers: ​“When we met the artists, they said the art is open to multiple interpretations, which made more sense while mediating as we had two or three interpretations, and the visitors also came up with more interpretations.”

Becoming a mediator often requires a shift in mindset and belief system. While science approaches things objectively and critically, art tends to be more subjective and emotional. Jagath V recalls, ​“I think the first challenge was to accept that analytical training has influenced the way you think and approach anything at the gallery. Then I ended up realising that maybe thinking is the issue here because I think art functions on the feeling level more than thinking.”

Outreach activities further honed their intrapersonal skills. ​‘Carbon in the City,’ the flagship outreach and public engagement programme, involved mediators setting up multiple small displays at four different metro stations in Bangalore. The mediators had to facilitate conversations with commuters about the displays. Often times, they were misunderstood as salespersons for some products, as a few mediators jokingly recall.

Mediators in-action

Traditionally, when looking at an exhibit, spectators expect to be told about the art, but striking a conversation around the exhibits was challenging. Through outreach experiences, mediators learned to ask compelling questions to facilitate deeper discussions. These conversations can take unexpected turns, too. For instance, Thilagar shares, ​“A conversation about an exhibit on the origin of life can take any turn, as people may talk about their religious and political beliefs.”

Mediators interacted with a wide range of audiences, from seasoned scientists and professionals to children of all ages. 

Jagath remembers one such interaction with a climate scientist: ​“He listened to me talk about digital carbon footprints and how cloud modelling can be data intensive. He listened patiently, offering a few inputs here and there. At the end, he revealed that he does the same thing for a living. The tables turned, and then he talked about the topic more passionately than I could.”

Engaging with children, who were regular visitors to the gallery, posed its own challenges. To address this, mediators developed a programme focused on student learning experiences during their gallery visits. SGB also frequently hosts groups of college and school students for tours.

As the exhibition wraps up, CARBON mediators are ready to start a new chapter as SGB has introduced them to the realm of science engagement and outreach. These experiences remained transformative for many mediators, teaching them to approach challenges from various angles, a skill that will undoubtedly benefit them in their future professional endeavours.