Science and the arts collide to create harmony between two worlds

University of Gloucestershire Professor Adam Hart features on a new album which pairs some of the UK’s most exciting spoken word artists with leading scientists – and challenges them to create performance poetry that explores their worlds.

Experimental Words was originally devised by public engagement expert Dr Sam Illingworth (Associate Professor in Academic Practice, Napier University) and poet Dan Simpson (poet-in-residence Glastonbury Festival, Imperial College London, St Albans Cathedral).

After successful live gigs in Manchester, Edinburgh, London, and Chicago, the science communication duo turned to a recorded format during the pandemic. The new Experimental World album features 10 new spoken word tracks, including one from the University of Gloucestershire’s Professor of Science Communication, Adam Hart. It launches on June 23, 2021 at 7.30pm at an online Zoom party. Tickets are available on Eventbrite and you can find out more about the album on the Experimental Words website.

Other world-renowned scientists that feature on the album include Professor Hannah Cloke OBE, and author of Expert, Professor Roger Kneebone. Amongst those representing the poets are BBC regular Joelle Taylor, London Laureate Momtaza Mehri, and Off West End award winner Desree.

Along with spoken word performances from poets and scientists, the tracks on the Experimental Words album use music and sound effects for an exploration of the creative power of the performing arts and science. The album will be available on all major music streaming platforms, including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube. Music-video style short films will also be created to accompany three of the tracks – and the album artwork is also an experiment itself, generated by an algorithm influenced by the words from the poems. Experimental Words is funded by Arts Council England, with the album produced by spoken word record label Nymphs & Thugs.