The Creative Festival
ARISA’s Creative Lab Festival is a dynamic showcase that unites our core pillars of research, education, and community engagement. This annual festival offers an exploration of how neuroscience, psychology, and art intersect in everyday life. We invite you to explore, play, and engage in a celebration of creativity and scientific understanding!
What was on offer at CLF 2025?
Performances
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At the Creative Lab Festival (CLF), we proudly featured dance performances that explored embodied perceptions, supported by our dedicated dance grant. This initiative aimed to foster innovative dance works that bridge art and science, specifically focusing on how movement and perception intertwine. The grant supported choreographers and dancers in creating pieces that not only entertained but also educated audiences about the sensory experiences involved in dance. These performances provided a unique perspective on the integration of physical expression with cognitive science, highlighting the profound connection between the body and mind.
Workshops
Dive into the world of Perfume Appreciation, exploring the art and science of scent; learn the ancient martial art of Kalaripayattu; or tap into self-expression through Authentic Movement. Experience the power of theatre in Applied Theatre, DIY neuroscience with Upside Down Labs, or explore the fascinating intersection of art and brain science in Applied NeuroArt. Find the Magic in the Mundane thorugh a Storytelling Workshop or challenge your wits with an Evening of trivia!There’s something for everyone to learn, create, and connect!
Unconference
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The Unconference at the Creative Lab Festival (CLF) reimagines how scientific research is shared, offering an unconventional, engaging platform to explore the wonders of our sensory systems. Attendees will experience creative presentations that go beyond the typical lecture format—think interactive demonstrations, live art, storytelling, and immersive performances—all designed to make complex science accessible and exciting. Come to learn about the fascinating quirks of how we perceive the world!
Multisensory Experiences
Step into a world of discovery at the Multisensory Immersive Experience at CLF, where science meets play! Explore how your senses shape your reality through fun games, hands-on experiments, sensory walks, and stimulating stalls. Dive into spaces that tease your brain with sensory biases and uncover the fascinating ways your sensory systems work. Learn how becoming more aware of your senses can empower you to lead a fuller, more mindful life.
Escape Rooms
Dive into the thrill of Sense-Themed Escape Rooms at CLF! Each room challenges you to solve puzzles, uncover clues, and unlock mysteries using your eight senses—sight, sound, touch, taste, smell, proprioception, interoception, and vestibular. Experience the magic of sensory illusions, decode perception tricks, and collaborate with your team to escape in time through four themes: Bollywood, Harry Potter, Detective, and Time Travel.
Immersive Installations
Step into interactive installations designed to challenge perception, heighten awareness, and awaken new ways of experiencing the world. Explore how your senses shape reality through dynamic soundscapes, luminous environments, and tactile explorations. Discover the hidden biases of sensory processing and uncover the profound connection between sensation and mindfulness. Prepare to see, hear, and feel in ways you never imagined!
What people had to say
At the Creative Lab Festival (CLF), attendees of all ages expressed their enjoyment and appreciation for the engaging and inclusive atmosphere we created. It was a gratifying experience for us to see such diverse groups come together, sharing and learning in a space that celebrated the intersection of arts and sciences. The positive feedback from participants across different age groups reaffirmed our commitment to creating environments where everyone can explore and connect through creative and scientific expressions.
