Astronautical Art is a non-profit organisation on a mission to preserve and share our common artistic heritage in outer space
We collect, document and archive the digital records of humanity's artistic artefacts in space. This archive is a testimony of our developing spacefaring culture.
Mission
The Astronautical Art Initiative explores the intersection of art and space. Through research, documentation, and preservation, we seek to better understand the role of artistic practice beyond Earth and to build a lasting record of humanity's cultural presence in space.
Inspiring Wonder, Advancing Knowledge
Our mission is twofold: to inspire curiosity by highlighting how artists engage with the space environment, and to advance knowledge through rigorous research into the history, practice, and significance of astronautical art. By connecting artistic inquiry with space exploration, we aim to deepen our understanding of how culture evolves as humanity expands beyond Earth.
Why Art in Space Matters
Art in space is more than a by-product of exploration. It is a record of human imagination, creativity, and ambition extending into a new frontier. It reflects our desire not only to explore the universe scientifically, but also to interpret, question, and give meaning to it. We believe these works form an important part of our shared cultural heritage and deserve to be documented, studied, and preserved for future generations.
What We Do
Archiving
We build and maintain a comprehensive archive of artworks that have travelled to or been created for space. Our aim is to preserve this growing body of cultural heritage and make it accessible for future generations.
Documenting
We document individual artworks, missions, artists, and related projects, bringing together reliable information, historical context, and primary sources. By doing so, we create a structured record of humanity's artistic engagement with space.
Research
We conduct research into the history, theory, and practice of astronautical art. Through publications, lectures, exhibitions, and educational initiatives, we seek to advance knowledge and contribute to a deeper understanding of art beyond Earth.
Why an Archive of Astronautical Art?
1. Preserving Cultural Heritage
Art is an integral part of humanity's presence in space. As artworks accompany missions beyond Earth, they become part of our shared cultural heritage and deserve to be preserved alongside scientific and technological achievements.
2. Creating a Reliable Historical Record
The history of astronautical art is scattered across mission reports, artist archives, publications, and private collections. By bringing this information together, the Archive provides a structured and reliable record for researchers, museums, and the public.
3. Supporting Research
Astronautical art raises questions that span art history, space history, material culture, philosophy, and science. The Archive provides the foundation for research into how artistic practice evolves as humanity expands into space.
4. Documenting a New Artistic Field
As artists increasingly work with launch vehicles, satellites, space stations, the Moon, and other extraterrestrial environments, a distinct field of artistic practice is emerging. The Archive documents this development and traces its evolution over time.
5. Inspiring Future Practice
By making these artworks accessible, the Archive provides a resource for artists, educators, researchers, and space professionals. It demonstrates the many ways in which artistic practice can contribute to humanity's exploration and understanding of space.
Team
Arno Geens FRSA
Founder, Curator
Arno is a space artist, designer and independent researcher exploring creativity and culture beyond our world. He creates artistic and cultural projects in outer space. His art has been taken into orbit and beyond on satellites, on the International Space Station, and will travel to Mars and the Sun to examine how artistic and cultural expression can evolve in space. As co-founder of The Spacecraft agency and The Foundry - Orbital Art Lab, he designs the tools and frameworks to engage and curate artists and practitioners in space-bound cultural projects.
Beyond the studio, his practice grows in two directions. As founder of the Astronautical Art Initiative he researches and archives our artistic heritage in space to document and share the stories of our shared spacefaring culture. And as co-chair of the Committee on the Cultural Use of Space (ITACCUS) at the International Astronautical Federation he brings together artists, scientists and cultural experts to bring the argument for culture into the international space community.
Ann Goossens
Co-founder, Financial Advisor
Ann is an experienced financial and business advisor with a strong focus on the Arts, Circular Economy and Creative Industries.
Currently she runs her own consultancy business where she advises and assists cultural organisations with a.o. business management, grant writing and financial reporting.
She has been the business director for several Belgian art organisations, the Assistant General Director for Beursschouwburg Arts Center in Brussels and Financial Manager at Groot Eiland, a major circular economy and social entrepreneurship player in the Brussels region. She was Co-editor and Back Office Manager at two art auction houses.
She was an advisory board member at Aifoon Arts Organisation and Brussels Kunstenoverleg, the Brussels consultative body for the arts.
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