A symposium titled "Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space Art and Science Symposium" will take place at the Royal Astronomical Society (RAS) headquarters in Burlington House, London, celebrating the major exhibition "Cosmos: The Art of Observing Space" at the Royal West of England Academy (RWA) in Bristol (24 January–19 April 2026). Curated by visual artist Ione Parkin RWA, the exhibition features over 30 contemporary artists alongside loan items from public collections, all inspired by astronomy, cosmology, astrophysics, and space exploration. The symposium includes talks by astronomers, archivists, and exhibiting artists, with a catalogue published by Sansom & Company featuring contributions from Professor Chris Lintott, Professor Amaury Triaud, Dr Sian Prosser, and Ione Parkin RWA.
This event matters because it exemplifies the growing interdisciplinary dialogue between art and science, specifically space science, highlighting how visual artists engage with astronomical research to create new works. By partnering the RWA with the Royal Astronomical Society, the symposium and exhibition demonstrate how art can bridge disciplines, foster public engagement with space science, and underscore the cultural significance of celestial observation. The involvement of leading scientists and the RAS archive further legitimizes the artistic exploration of cosmic themes, potentially inspiring future collaborations between the art world and scientific institutions.