What is 'The Curious Act'?

It is a programme of creative public engagement with the National Heart and Lung Institute. We produce projects with scientists and clinicians from NHLI, inspired by their fascinating research, and we work with creative collaborators including textile artists, games designers, performers, creative technologists, chefs and illustrators. 

Origami

origami balloons

Origami Outbreak

A participatory installation to create an origami immune system
children doing art activities

Whoosh, crackle. pop

A free play installation inspired by breathing for 0-3s and their grown-ups. Part of Breathing Together.
brochure

Play and learn activity guide

A book of fun activities about breathing to do with children under five. Part of Breathing Together.

Virus hustle, haystack in a heart cell and science in store

pop up science cover

Pop Up Science

A guidebook about transforming empty shops into creative spaces for science engagement
Logo

Breathing Together

A creative engagement programme exploring breathing and lung health in children
collage

Exhale & Exchange

Creative arts workshops bringing together patients and respiratory researchers

Virus hustle, haystack in a heart cell and science in store

Mum and kids play pool game

The Virus Hustle

Turning familiar games upside down to show how viruses can treat disease
Heart collage

Haystack in a Heart Cell

A collage workshop exploring the complex information contained in every heart cell
researcher talks to members of the public

Science in Store

A pilot project experimenting with pop up engagement events in BHF shops

Projects

The Heart and Lung Convenience Store

A pop-up scientific superstore exploring the future of heart and lung healthcare
Plasticine cells on hand

DIY Heart Cells

Conductive playdough used to make perfect heart cells
girl interacts with display

Microbiome Home

An interactive installation about the microbes living in our lungs

Projects

Exterior of heart and lung shop

The Heart and Lung Repair Shop

Hammersmith's first science pop-up shop
Cake made to show skin layers

Skin Cake

A creative food workshop exploring the layers of cells in your skin
People knit on floor

(Bioengineered) Blood Lines

Knitted blood vessels and a giant bioengineered trachea

Projects

Lung shaped biscuits

Bronchial Biscuits

Lung shaped cookies decorated with branching airway patterns
Children knit on lawn

Blood Lines

A participatory knitting installation inspired by the vascular system
Lady paints heart on person's hand

Heart on your Hand

Did you know your heart is the same size as your fist?

Contacts

Ellen Dowell
Public Engagement Officer
e.dowell@imperial.ac.uk

Details of all our previous activities