Jane Crawford

Artist and Director of Daisy Arts

What do you do?

I’m an artist, facilitator and actor with over 25 years’ experience in socially engaged art, focused on connecting communities to the transformative power of arts and culture. As founder and Managing Director of Daisy Arts CIC, I collaborate with schools, colleges, community centres and other organisations, engaging with people of all ages and abilities. I passionately advocate the work; it supports individuals and communities to realise their creative potential and embrace cultural participation as a tool for personal and collective growth. 

How are you involved in this area of science? 

This collaborative connection has offered us the chance to bring the arts into STEM, through initiatives like Street Cosmos and Into the Light. We began by creating an interactive alien planet with unique plant life, that led into a lunar excavation site and ‘Space Training Camp’ workshops with dexterity tasks and flag design activities. Most recently, we supported Into the Light at the Celebrate Science event on Palace Green, where actors performed on topics like Planck Time, wormholes, and black holes. We also led a black hole-themed workshop, where participants created spin art with pre-made motor circuits – engaging science, through hands-on art and performance. 

What do you love about this topic?

Artists are a little bit like explorers, venturing into the unknown and making abstract scientific ideas come alive through art has been great. I love how this work lets us bridge the gap between science and imagination, sparking curiosity and excitement in people of all ages. By blending art and science, we’re able to invite communities into complex topics, making them more accessible and engaging. It’s inspiring to watch people connect with concepts like black holes and Planck Time in ways that feel playful and tangible, giving them the chance to see science not just as knowledge, but as a creative adventure. 

How does this work deliver real-world impact?

Our partnership with the University on this program has been invaluable, giving us a platform to showcase our work and deepen our learning. Engaging with the Celebrate Science event recently has amplified our reach further, allowing us to introduce new audiences to the fusion of art and science. This collaboration has not only enriched our team’s skills but also inspired participants, who leave with fresh perspectives on creativity and science. The impact is lasting – sparking curiosity, building community, and demonstrating the potential of arts engagement to make complex scientific ideas accessible and exciting for all. 

Find out more:

• Follow Daisy Arts on Instagram to find out more and get involved