Images of nature in the 21st century - these no longer have to be images of forests, animals or the moon, but can also show objects and phenomena in the nanocosmos or the quantum world of atoms, brought into view by microscopes and measuring instruments in the laboratory. But what would a literary microscope, a work of art, reveal? That is the question posed by the art project ‘Quantum meets Arts’.

Scientists do not directly depict the quantum cosmos, but measure experimental data, visualise abstract models or create macroscopic effects in order to make quantum phenomena visible. However, other perspectives and techniques are just as important - those of art and literature, ekphrasis or nature writing. Today's ability to observe and shape quanta at the atomic level has opened up tremendous progress in science, medicine and technology, which we all benefit from, but which could also pose new and as yet unknown dangers. This makes it all the more important to consider all possible perspectives. 

We therefore invite writers and artists to visit a laboratory near them, exchange ideas with the scientists and creatively realise their impressions - be it concretely, motivically or associatively. Because the new happens at the points of contact - between materials and their surfaces, but also between people and disciplines. Equally welcome are contributions that focus on ethical questions of research in relation to the laboratory visited or that deal with the mindsets and lifestyles of scientists. There are no restrictions in terms of art form or genre.

Their works are to be presented in an exhibition and thus create a dialogue between science, art and the public. A book publication is also planned to follow the exhibition. Furthermore, an accompanying programme with panel discussions and readings is currently being planned.