SCIENCE GALLERY BENGALURU
CALL UNDER REVIEW
Results by June 2024
Open from January 27th 2024
The call closed March 18th 2024 at 23:59 IST (UTC+5:30)
Keywords Entanglement, Superposition, Atom, Reality, Uncertainty, Probability, Observer, Measurement
QUANTUM
A cat, a poisonous gas, a radioactive material, a hammer, and a Geiger counter in a closed box. Is the cat dead or alive?
These tiniest of particles can exist in more than one state at the same time—red and blue, dead and alive, on and off. This is “superposition,” one of the fundamental properties in quantum mechanics. Ever since Max Planck suggested that electromagnetic energy from a black body could only be emitted in discrete clumps, which he called quanta, our journey to understand the fundamental nature of reality entered the new and confounding realm of the quantum. That's how atoms and other subatomic particles exist—when no one is looking at them.
Quantum physics explains the world we see around us, though few of us attempt to understand it. This is perhaps because of its inherent weirdness—it describes the behaviour of particles at the smallest scales through paradoxes, probabilities and uncertainties. Once we begin to view atoms less like balls and more like waves in a sea—some of these characteristics may seem less confounding. For instance, how two particles can be entangled, such that even when they are separated by the longest of distances, they can instantly affect each other's state when measured, or tunnelling, which allows tiny particles to pass through seemingly solid barriers.
Though these may seem ghostly or unimaginable in the world that we perceive—these properties are critical to daily life. Without tunnelling, for example, hydrogen atoms would be unable to fuse together forming the massive heat giving star that is our sun! Quantum phenomena have been suggested behind biological phenomena such as photosynthesis and even in the migration of some birds. We have utilized the quantum properties of materials to create semiconductors, transistors, and microchips that are foundational to all our electronic and computing devices. Even magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) that appears to magically create high resolution images of our internal organs, depends on the ability of the nuclei in hydrogen atoms in our body to attain quantum superposition. This effect is then used to generate the waves that are detected by the machine to create an image.
This translation of quantum properties into macroscopic effects when measured or observed is what has made this field one that defies conventional understanding. The very fact that a particle is present everywhere until it is measured and then is therefore forced to be somewhere, makes us question: what happens to all the other places it was at? This has led to theories such as the many worlds interpretation, popularly known as the multiverse theory. This has inspired entire sagas in science fiction, fantasy literature, and popular culture.
However, beyond the speculation and mystery lies a very real hope that these weird properties of quantum physics will trigger a new revolution in technology. From computing, communication, cryptography, and sensing, to quantum optics and quantum biology—the possibilities are many. Can research unravel how quantum mechanics converges with technology in the macroscopic world as we know it? Can we engineer sufficient control over the quantum nature of particles to enable everything from high-speed computation to some form of teleportation? Can our journey into the quantum realm reveal solutions for some of the critical planetary challenges we face today?
For this exhibition-season, we seek applications that are artistic or scientific inquiries, or both. We are looking to work with individuals or groups—preferably from across career and disciplinary backgrounds—who are critically exploring quantum research in its diverse forms in both the contemporary and historical contexts as well as those engaged with emerging frontiers of research.
Please Note: No cats were harmed in the making of this Open Call.
Resources:
1. Ladd TD, Jelezko F, Laflamme R, Nakamura Y, Monroe C, O'Brien JL. Quantum computers. Nature. 2010
2. GAMBLE S. Quantum Computing: What It Is, Why We Want It, and How We're Trying to Get It. In: National Academy of Engineering. Frontiers of Engineering: Reports on Leading-Edge Engineering from the 2018 Symposium. Washington (DC): National Academies Press (US); 2019
3. McFadden J, Al-Khalili J. Life on the Edge - The Coming of Age of Quantum Biology. Crown, 2016.
4. Baars BJ, Edelman DB. Consciousness, biology and quantum hypotheses. Phys Life Rev. 2012
WHAT MAKES A STRONG OPEN CALL PROPOSAL?
First and foremost, we prioritize works that help our audiences critically explore the processes of producing knowledge relevant to the topic of the current Open Call.
We are looking for both existing and new projects that match Science Gallery’s core aim: to Connect, Participate, and Surprise. Relevance to our core audience of 15-28-year-olds is important.
We strongly encourage you to take a moment to explore our archive of previous exhibitions to consider the Science Gallery Bengaluru ethos and the fit to our current open call before committing your valuable time and energy to the application.
WHAT IS A HYBRID EXHIBITION-SEASON?
A hybrid exhibition-season is one which has both an onsite and online component. We invite proposals that may be completely physical, completely digital/online or are physical with a digital or online component.
WHAT TYPES OF PROJECTS ARE ACCEPTED?
We invite proposals for exhibits as well as ideas for public programmes. A clear rationale related to Science Gallery’s aims and those of the QUANTUM Season would be expected in the response to the Open Call.
Science Gallery’s approach is transdisciplinary so we accept projects from highly diverse disciplines that could include art-works, video, performance, poetry, craft, sound, web-based work, socially engaged work, live experimentation, design, sharing of data from social science, medical, or natural science research – essentially we are not format-prescriptive!
Science Gallery Bengaluru is also accepting proposals for public programmes in the lead up to and during the exhibition. This could include a film-festival, city walk, hands-on-workshop, talk series, theatre, dance, puppetry, stand-up/ open-mic/ improv, and a master class.
While our primary focus is on the exhibition space, we are keen on programming beyond the exhibition space and welcome proposals that could be hosted online, outdoors, or in other site-specific locations like lakes, laboratories, parks, or metro stations. We are happy to facilitate permissions where possible, if required. Please get in touch with us if you have specific questions about the exhibition space.
WHAT BUDGET IS AVAILABLE?
Projects supported via the Open Call for the exhibition can typically be funded by Science Gallery Bengaluru up to INR 3,00,000 (including all costs, artist fees, materials, equipment, shipping, travel and taxes). Public programme proposals can typically be funded between up to INR 1,00,000.
Please note projects of larger scale could be considered only where additional partners/funding can be secured. We enthusiastically welcome proposals that work to a smaller budget or have a larger budget and are part funded through other means.
WILL THE SEASON INCLUDE NEW OR EXISTING WORK?
Seasons can include new or existing works, and we are happy to receive more than one submission from one person/team: what is critical is the fit for this specific Open Call.
WHEN WILL I GET AN ANSWER?
Science Gallery Bengaluru will notify applicants if their submission has been successful by June 2024. The gallery will be considering submissions during April 2024 so if questions about your project are identified we might contact you for clarification during this period.
WHAT IS THE NEXT STAGE?
If we think your work is exciting and relevant, we will start a conversation about your Proposal with a view to establishing feasibility in April 2024.
ABOUT US
Science Gallery Bengaluru (SGB) is a not-for-profit public institution for research-based engagement targeted at young adults. We work at the interface between the human, natural and social sciences, engineering and the arts through a Public Lab Complex, ever-changing exhibitions, and mentorship programmes.
SGB is established with the founding support of the Government of Karnataka and three academic partners—Indian Institute of Science, National Centre for Biological Sciences, and Srishti Institute of Art, Design and Technology. It is a member of the Global Science Gallery Network with sister galleries in Atlanta, Dublin, London, Melbourne and Monterrey.
Who can I contact if I have a question relating to my application?
Please contact Science Gallery Bengaluru at info@bengaluru.sciencegallery.com
Other Science Gallery Network wide Frequently Asked Questions are answered here. https://sciencegallery.org/faqs
Please note that we are using a new system – called Submittable – to accept open call submissions. If you had an account with us on our old system, you will need to create a new account with Submittable in order to submit to current and future open calls.