Art and Science

Could we ever know each other in the slightest without the arts?

— Gabrielle Roy (1909 – 1983)
Quoted on the Canadian $20 note

While frequently contrasted by their differences, art and science have more in common than what we are led to believe. At their core, both are representations of the human spirit, bringing us new understandings and perspectives of life and the world at large. Both require courage in their making, as often the most profound art and science challenge established ways of thinking and seeing, and are first met with resistance and opposition.

Exposure and immersion in the arts helps keep the scientists’ creative spirits engaged and present – an integral need for successful scientific exploration. At CMMT, art is a critical element of our environment, ranging from master pieces by acclaimed artists such as Robert Davidson to art work made by our children and young aspiring scientists who have toured our labs.

In the pursuit for more integration between arts and science, in 2000 Dr. Hayden commissioned a play about science. THE SCORE tells the story of a brilliant geneticist who discovers that she has the same Huntington gene that killed her mother. Ethical issues and genetic determinism then surface after she discovers that she is pregnant. In 2005 with the support of Genome Canada, THE SCORE was adapted for the big screen and has received critical acclaim from around the world. The Score had its world premiere as part of the Vancouver International Film Festival in October 2005. Dr. Hayden’s pioneering vision has allowed THE SCORE to evolve as an important educational tool, both locally and nationally, forming the basis of discussions at many scientific workshops and conference.