The project ‘AlienArte’ officially launches following the recent approval by FECYT (Spanish Foundation for Science and Technology, under the Ministry of Science, Innovation, and Universities). After the success of Plastisfera, this new initiative merges science, art, and social engagement to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time: biodiversity loss caused by invasive alien species (IAS).

IAS are the second leading cause of global biodiversity loss—surpassed only by habitat destruction—and are responsible for 60% of all species extinctions. They also lead to massive economic losses and pose serious public health threats. Yet, public awareness and scientific literacy on this issue remain extremely low.

Through a partnership between the Doñana Biological Station, part of the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), and the Matisse School of Art in San Lorenzo de El Escorial (Madrid), AlienArte offers a transformative experience combining dance, theater, music, and poetry—accessible and inclusive tools for public engagement. The ArtScience Danza company will bring this vision to life, creating a shared space for reflection and learning at the intersection of Art and Science. The project aims to engage young audiences in particular, given their crucial role in shaping a more biodiverse and sustainable future.

Seville’s Teatro Alameda (ICAS), a nationally recognized venue known for its innovative programming, is joining the project by including the performance in its #TEATReVES series, aimed at high school and vocational students. The Casa de la Ciencia in Seville, a CSIC science outreach hub and a key institution in scientific culture across Andalusia, will also be actively involved in the rollout of the initiative.

Acclaimed author Beatriz Giménez de Ory, recipient of Spain’s National Award for Young People’s Literature, is contributing both the script for the performance and an original classroom play. The project is supported by the Tragsa Group. AlienArte also includes specific adaptations for people with hearing impairments, developed with input from experts in accessibility and sign language.

“AlienArte goes beyond simply transmitting knowledge—it invites audiences to observe, feel, act, and create with environmental awareness and shared responsibility, essential values in today’s educational context. It also fosters a love of science and inspires new scientific vocations, which are more needed than ever,” says Marta I. Sánchez, researcher at the Doñana Biological Station and co-lead of the initiative alongside Pilar Ordóñez, director of the Matisse School of Art.