MEET for Studiotopia 2.0, a research project on the threshold of the Simbiocene

Eleven European cultural and scientific organizations, including MEET, are participating in the Studiotopia research program. This research project aims to explore the intersection between art and science, delving into the symbiotic relationship between these two disciplines and shedding light on the major issues of our time. The goal is to foster a deep emotional and technological integration with nature. This transformative vision embodies the aspiration for a harmonious and mutually beneficial relationship that supports the principles of sustainability and recognizes the importance of an evolution inspired by the Symbiocene.

Studiotopia is an international project, now in its second edition, that fosters interdisciplinary collaborations between artists and scientists. The goal is to reflect on and prototype ideas and solutions centered on the theme of the Symbiocene. The research, co-funded by the European Union’s Creative Europe program, seeks to harness the creative synergy between two seemingly distant worlds to envision a sustainable future.

The Cultural Context and Methodology

Studiotopia is rooted in the philosophical and cultural context of the Symbiocene, understood as moving beyond the Anthropocene. This concept, coined by eco-philosopher Glenn Albrecht, envisions a future in which humanity lives in harmony with the Earth and all its inhabitants, sharing in mutual prosperity, evolution, and interconnectedness.

The theoretical foundation of the project draws on symbiogenesis, a theory proposed by scientist Lynn Margulis. Contrary to neo-Darwinism and the deeply rooted idea of competition for survival, Margulis demonstrated how collaboration (and sometimes the relinquishment of one’s individuality) is a fundamental driver of evolution. Interspecies collaboration thus becomes a meta-concept applicable to interdisciplinary collaborations between Art, Science, and Technology, as emphasized by Donna Haraway in “Ctulucene.”

On a methodological level, Studiotopia fosters two complementary paths of collaboration: emerging scientists collaborating with established artists, and vice versa. These collaborations are facilitated by the “innovation catalysts” at each center involved in the project, creating a fertile ecosystem for the exchange of ideas and expertise.

The program’s objectives

Studiotopia’s main goal is to create a traveling exhibition program showcasing the 18 art/science projects developed during the residency year. These projects aim to raise public awareness of the global challenges identified at the start of the project.

Studiotopia will organize thematic workshops, pop-up labs, and a citizen science program. All of these initiatives are designed to stimulate further reflection on the topics addressed, as well as to raise public awareness of the need to foster interdisciplinary collaborations to tackle contemporary challenges.

The concrete impacts of the project

Studiotopia will produce numerous tangible outcomes. Eighteen collaborative art/science projects, various pop-up labs across Europe, numerous participatory workshops, and showcases at participating centers. And more: traveling exhibitions at Ars Electronica, Bozar, and Experimenta; a digital anthology at MEET scheduled for late 2026; and a toolkit for art-science collaborations, the result of the parallel research process conducted throughout the project.

Work in Progress and Upcoming Events

Upcoming highlights include: the second study visit to Brussels in April; the call for the international pop-up lab in Cluj, to be launched in July; and the second collective event, to be held on September 3–4 during the Ars Electronica Festival, featuring all the scientists and artists, as well as the third study visit and the in-person consortium meeting.

Eleven leading European institutions are collaborating on the Studiotopia project: CLUJ CULTURAL CENTRE (Romania), ARS ELECTRONICA (Austria), MEET (Italy), Beta Festival (Ireland), GLUON (Belgium), KERSNIKOVA (Slovenia), HEXAGONE (France), BOZAR (Belgium), CYENS (Cyprus), CCA LAZNIA (Poland), and LABORAL (Spain).

Together, these institutions serve as catalysts for innovation and collaboration, promoting dialogue and exchange across disciplines and national borders.