A testing ground for artistic expression of the natural sciences.
What is Litmus Arts?
Litmus Arts is a multi-disciplinary arts practice exploring the interplay between Art, Science and Nature. Delivering science outreach and arts engagement workshops and programmes for young people.
Science
is all about testing ideas and finding new ways to do things. Litmus
Arts aims
to present captivating scientific ideas and encourage
young people to think critically about challenges and be creative in
designing solutions.
Litmus
Arts
is
open to any art medium which acts as a vehicle to
introduce young people to the ideas of creative science innovation
and ecological and social sustainability.
Why the Natural Sciences?
The Natural Sciences cover a wide range of science disciplines that explore the physical world around us. Biology, chemistry, physics, astronomy, ecology and zoology, along with so many others, are all Natural Sciences.
Taking care of our
planet starts with understanding it, engaging with it and developing
empathy and compassion towards it.
Litmus
Arts introduces young people to the fun of spending time with nature
and developing an understanding of it’s important role in our lives
as well as how our actions can effect it.
Why is it important to engage with the Arts?
Exposure to the Arts is important in a young persons development and
it is our responsibility as adults to create opportunities for
children from all backgrounds to engage with multiple artforms!
The Arts can benefit us by keeping our bodies and minds active and healthy. Developing skills and talents can improve confidence, self-esteem and resilience.
Litmus
Arts
teaches
young audiences about
science
and nature
in a lively
way while
expressing themselves and their ideas through the Arts.
Why do we create work for young audiences?
Having worked with young people for many years in formal and
informal contexts, we have found that they are inquisitive, accepting,
delightful and willing in the face of experimental offerings.
A
sponge for information, they are perfectly positioned to absorb ideas
and concepts which will impact their adult lives.
The future is theirs and it is our duty to prepare them holistically for their role in it. Giving them the knowledge, materials and tools to create independent, sustainable and supportive people and communities.
What is kinaesthetic learning?
Kinaesthetic
(or tactile) learning involves learning by
touching, doing, experiencing or being
physically active.
Encouraging learners to discover information for themselves, kinaesthetic learning activities can improve critical thinking and analytical skills as well as produce young people who are more confident in their ability to learn.
Litmus
Arts is for everyone and aims to use inclusive methods of engagement
and employ techniques which acknowledge the wide variety of learning
styles.
Why now?
The
pandemic has offered us a chance to rethink how we move forward as a
society, to redefine our priorities and has exposed the precarity of
our social systems in terms of health, production and technology.
It
has also highlighted the value of the arts for our mental and
emotional well-being. Teaching design thinking principles,
problem-solving techniques, creative expression, ecological
sensitivity and empathy develops a sense of confidence, independence
and autonomy. This could lead to greater social resilience and
healthier communities.
Selene Murphy
Artist, Designer and Facilitator behind Litmus Arts.
I run STEAM workshops and creative
events to teach young people about the value of good design and give them
opportunities to explore their creativity.
I have a
degree in Architecture which supports my work creating educational
programmes for young people.
Ever present is the idea
of sustainability and making meaningful connections with the natural
and cultural environment.
Play
is essential to my practice,
as a means of discovering
creative solutions and using
an asset-based-approach
teaches
us to value what we have instead of focusing on our deficiencies.
Training & Awards
2021 Agility Award - Arts Council of Ireland
2021 Children First Training - Tusla
2021 Diversity Awareness Certificate - Building Intercultural Communities Project
2021 Awesome Solutions Deep-Dive Training - MTU Creativity and Change
2021 Train the Trainer Professional Development - Peter Duncan Co-train
2019 Facilitation Masterclass - Dave Kelly, National Association of Youth Drama
2018 Bachelor of Architecture, B.Arch (Hons) - TU Dublin