ARx Philadelphia at uCity Square
ARx brings together the creative power of artists and the intellectual rigor of researchers to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging concepts through art.
The ARx Philadelphia Cohort of nine researchers and nine artists were paired to create a piece of art based on science over the course of a 10-month collaboration. Pairs entered the experience with an open mind and willingness to work in a true collaboration, and a willingness to let go of what they thought would happen and push themselves towards a transformative way of listening, thinking, creating and talking about science and art.
The program asked selected participants to work together to create their piece in any medium desired. Each team’s piece will be displayed in this venue as a collection. Teams will present at the Opening Reception about their experience, the process, and the meaning behind their piece.
Join us for the Opening Reception on Thursday, September 24. Meet the artists, researchers, and be part of the unveiling! Refreshments will be provided.
Artist: Rebecca Rutstein
Researcher: Sony Tuteja
Artist: Rah Gerg
Researcher: Jordan Williams
Artist: PJ Pivarshev
Researcher: Sara Bernardez Noya
Artist: Emmanuel (Femi) O. Olatunji
Researcher: Eileen Workman
Artist: Lyra Butler‑Denman
Researcher: Danielle Reed
Artist: Jazmyn May Crosby
Researcher: Dustin Daniel Flannery
Artist: Elizabeth Mackie
Researcher: Mahalakshmi (Maha) Somayaji
Artist: Taj Rauch
Researcher: Scott Garrett Daniel
Artist: Marguerita Hagan
Researcher: Medini K Annavajhala
uCity Square launches Artist + Researcher Exhibition (ARx) in Philadelphia
Building on four successful years of programming at Phoenix Bioscience Core in Phoenix, Arizona, ARx comes to Philadelphia! ARx pairs professional artists and scientific researchers as a team in true cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing scientific discovery to life through creative expression and making complex ideas accessible to broader audiences.
About the Program
Collaboration is the foundation for the Artist + Researcher Exhibition (ARx) program. ARx brings together the creative power of artists and the intellectual rigor of researchers to translate complex scientific concepts into accessible, engaging concepts through art. The dynamic process in which ARx participants engage creates a unique opportunity for cross-disciplinary collaboration, where scientists inspire the reason and process behind creating art, while artists amplify understanding as well as the impact of potential outcomes within research.
We invite individuals to apply who can enter the experience with an open mind and willingness to work in a true collaboration. The positive feedback from former participants are all connected to a willingness to let go of what they thought would happen and push themselves towards a transformative way of listening, thinking, creating and talking about science and art.
The program allows for selected participants to play a role in who they are teamed up with and once paired each team is given an honorarium for supplies and nine months to work together to create their piece in any medium desired. Each team’s piece will be displayed at multiple venues as a collection. There will be at least two events where each team will be asked to give a 5-minute presentation about their experience, the process, and the meaning behind the piece.
KEY DATES:
January 2026:
Artists + Researchers team pairings
January – July 2026:
Collaboration and fabrication
August 2026:
Installation at uCity Square
September 24, 2026:
Opening Reception
September – November 2026:
ARx Gallery Open
Final Artist + Researcher selections are nominated and chosen by our esteemed committee:
Briana Cannon: Community Engagement Director, University City Science Center
Ben Doranz: President, Integral Molecular
Valerie Gay: Chief Cultural Officer, City of Philadelphia
Kiersten Mailler: Knowledge Community Director, uCity Square
Angela McQuillan: Artist, Designer, Curator
Travis Sheridan: Chief Community Officer, Wexford Science & Technology