Following the success of the recent Writing Competition for the #FEMSmicroBlog, we decided to launch a new section covering all aspects of Microbiology & the Arts. We are opening a CALL FOR VOLUNTEERS who wish to get involved in the new #MicrobiologyInArt section for the #FEMSmicroBlog.

Microbiology is often an inspiration for the arts. In the new section, we want to present examples of microbiology in literature (mostly fiction, creative non-fiction possible), cinema, comic books, songs, graphic art (illustrations, paintings), modern/contemporary art, (video)games, photography, dance, and others. We want to cover existing examples, no matter how distantly related to microbiology, rather than present original art.

From a storytelling perspective, we want to tell why these examples are (not*) compelling, why they do (not*) work, and what could people learn from them. From an educational/outreach perspective, we want to show examples which can (covertly**) raise awareness on microbiology topics, issues, and potentials. Interviews with the authors/artists are possible.

If you are interested to contribute as volunteer for this section, we invite you to send your CV, brief motivation letter, and the area(s) of the art you are interested to cover to fems@fems-microbiology.org with the header ‘#MIA section for the #FEMSmicroBlog’.

From volunteers we expect to write 1-2 entries a year as well as the involvement in finding external authors wishing to contribute to the section. We will offer support and guidance for writers and contributors. Please send your interest to get involved by Monday 5 December.

*is the science presented totally wrong or not plausible, for example? or is the microbiology topic the ‘wrong’ or overused pretext or context for a story? does the art invoke an association which is distorting rather than representing microbiology?

**the microbiology-related topic do not need to be central to the story or the art piece; we also welcome blog entries covering art where the microbiology topic is abstract, hidden, or metaphorical