Art, Science and Policy Task Force
The Art, Science and Policy Task Force will foster greater collaboration with a diverse array of artists with an aim to encourage the use of arts as an effective way to communicate deep-sea science and knowledge to policymakers and other stakeholders, with a view to generate interest and support informed decision-making. Arts are increasingly used as one of several tools to enhance ambition in the context of ocean governance, and is particularly useful for bringing the less-known deep sea to the attention of stakeholders and policy-makers.
The Task Force aims to stimulate creative thinking among DOSI network members, and perhaps even bring out the talented artists from within them. Ultimately, raising awareness and communicating about the challenges that the deep sea is facing through expressions and emotions, and to touch those who are not spontaneously inclined toward science, is our goal.
The aim of this Task Force is to foster greater collaboration with a diverse array of artists with an aim to encourage the use of arts as an effective way to communicate deep-sea science and knowledge to policymakers and other stakeholders, with a view to generate interest and support informed decision-making. Arts are increasingly used as one of several tools to enhance ambition in the context of ocean governance, and is particularly useful for bringing the less-known deep sea to the attention of
stakeholders and policy-makers.
The Task Force aims to stimulate creative thinking among DOSI network members, and perhaps even bring out the talented artists from within them. Ultimately, raising awareness and communicating about the challenges that the deep sea is facing through expressions and emotions, and to touch those who are not spontaneously inclined toward science, is our goal.
2026
- An exhibition will be the centrepiece of the Task Force’s activities in 2027. It will take place from 14 to 18 June 2027 during the 8th International Symposium on Chemosynthesis-Based Ecosystems in Horta, Azores. An open call for expressions of interest was launched in April 2026, inviting artists from a broad range of disciplines to contribute to this unique initiative. To encourage wider participation, the submission deadline was extended from 21 June to 21 July 2026. A selection committee comprising three DOSI members, two representatives of the Azores local organising committee, and one member of the
Deep-Sea Society will review the applications at the beginning of August and select five artistic projects for the exhibition.
2025
- SPLUJ – An immersive dive in the abyss: In partnership with Ifremer and Teatr PIBA, the Task Force supported SPLUJ (“dive” in Breton), a sensory theatrical experience that brings audiences on board a deep-sea expedition. Through spatialised sound, narration, and live performance, participants experience the emotions, science, and human stories of life at sea. Performed for over 20,000 spectators, SPLUJ combines artistry and research to spark dialogue between scientists, artists, and the public about the mysteries and importance of the deep ocean. SPLUJ was performed as side events at the ISA30 on July 17 and 21, 2025.
- Atlas des abysses: A recent publication, the Atlas des abysses, presents a richly illustrated and poetically scientific journey into the depths of the ocean. This work invites a broad audience to reflect on deep-sea ecosystems and the challenges they face, blending scientific insight with artistic vision.
- Deep-Sea Biology Symposium: A poster titled “Depicting the Deep: the Art of Illustrating Science” was presented at the Deep-Sea Biology Symposium in Hong Kong SAR, China (12-17 January 2025). The poster by Tanya Young, Christopher Barrio Froján and Maria Baker, shares the story behind DOSI’s bespoke artwork. Read it here.
Collaborate with us to advance deep-sea science and policy. Engage in meetings, contribute to Policy Briefs and publications, and participate in international events.
Task Force members are encouraged to actively engage with Task Force communications and meetings, as these are where further information will be provided on workshops, outputs such as Policy Briefs and publications, as well as event attendance. Please note: DOSI Ambassadors who are involved key meetings are selected according to our DOSI internal policy and at the discretion of the Task Force leads.
Task Force Leads
Jozée Sarrazin
BEEP research Unit, Ifremer, Brest, France
Tanya Young
Tanya Young Studio, California, USA