Exploratory Laboratory | Sherborne House Arts

Exploratory Laboratory (Ex Lab) is a visual arts and science project responding to England’s first natural World Heritage site, the 95 mile section of stunning Dorset and East Devon coastline known as the . Whilst the public explores the wonders that this coastline has to offer, scientists are busy gathering data to help understand its formation and inform its future management. Ex Lab will bring these earth scientists together with artists to investigate our understanding of this special coastal environment.

The project kicked of last autumn with an exhibition and seminar hosted by Bridport Arts Centre. For further details of phase 1 and to download the Ex Lab Phase 1 Handbook visit The Big Picture website .

For the second phase of Ex Lab, artists Simon Callery, Mat Chivers, Zachary Eastwood-Bloom, Simon Ryder and creative studio Proboscis have been commissioned to collaborate with scientists on the creation of a series of temporary site responsive artworks to be presented at various locations across Dorset this summer. Over the next few months these artists will be working alongside scientists and the public in the research and development phase of the project.

SHA is hosting one of the Ex Lab commissions Inland Sealand . For Inland Sealand artist Simon Callery will be exploring a journey between Sherborne and the sea to create work in response to Dorset’s inland geology.

For more on the Ex Lab project please visit:

Follow the Ex Lab blog: exlabproject.wordpress.com
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Ex Lab is funded by Arts Council England , National Trust , Dorset County Council , West Dorset District Council and additionally supported by , Exeter University , Aberystwyth University , and the .

The Big Picture Ex Lab is presented by Big Picture – a collaboration of visual arts organisations and professionals in Dorset working with Dorset County Council to sustain and develop vibrant visual arts in the county. The members of Big Picture are Artsreach , b-side , Bridport Arts Centre , Dorset Visual Arts , PVA MediaLab , Sherborne House Arts and Walford Mill Crafts .