Nina Svane-Mikkelsen

Phd-student, University of Bergen

Affinity and Battlefield. Artistic strategies and new digital media in science museum communication practices

Affinity and Battlefield is a cross-disciplinary Ph.D. study combining art and media practices and theoretical analysis. The methodology consists of three parallel tracks:

1. Development and production of practical projects, communicating science, utilizing new digital media in the context of the old museum medium. These projects are ‘artistic interventions’ and will be made by several artists from different fields of work to
a) Bergen Museum of Natural History (project working title: In Deep Water!)
b) Bergen School museum (project working title. When School was a Child).

2. Development and production of a documentary video work where the process of Affinity and Battlefield is shown within a framework of cultural and media theories. The work wil preferably be made as a production for television made in cooperation with a production company, but alternatively as an amateur work logg.

3. A written Ph.D. thesis where the work is analysed, theorized and summed up, supported by a broad theoretical framework and the practical experiences developed from 1) and 2).

I have several roles, being in charge of the three parts, but management, manuscript and directing are the central practical roles but hopefully I will have several enthusiastic co-developers. All other functions will be carried out by others. Being the theoretical responsible I must have an extra sensitivity towards integrating relevant perspectives, concepts, working tools and specialized skills that I can spot from theoretical in-depth analysis – and the other way around, I must tune the theory in towards the challenges that are born out of the practical work.

Download the Project presentation for SK2 of Affinity and Battlefield.