A FUSION of art and astrophysics is coming to Bluedot festival.

Award-winning Japanese artist Daito Manabe is set to transform the iconic Lovell Telescope into a projection-mapped artwork at this year’s space age festival at Jodrell Bank.

In a world first, Manabe will work with scientists at Jodrell Bank to turn astronomical data into an 89m high spectacle from 11pm to 3pm on each night of the event from July 7 to 9.

The upcoming commission is part of Abandon Normal Devices’(AND) Cosmos project – an international art-science residency at Manchester’s Jodrell Bank Observatory.

The renowned Tokyo-Based media artist, DJ and programmer and technicians from Rhizomatiks Research worked with the Jodrell Bank team in May before returning home to create the artwork.

Marking the 50th anniversary of the discovery of pulsars in 1967, the artists will use live data collected by the telescope to create an audio-visual artwork.

Gabrielle Jenks, director of Abandon Normal Devices, said: “We are very excited to launch this international commissioning programme which celebrates the importance of artists in translating scientific data and asking critical questions about how our universe operates.”

Professor Teresa Anderson, director of the Jodrell Bank Discovery Centre, added: “We are thrilled to be welcoming Cosmos, our new artist residency programme to Jodrell Bank Observatory.

“Working with the teams at Abandon Normal Devices and Bluedot, the programme provides an innovative and inspiring approach to engaging visitors directly with research taking place here at Jodrell Bank.

“As we mark the steel giant’s 60th year, we are thrilled to showcase the Lovell Telescope in a unique marriage of art and science.”

Manabe’s commission follows on from Brian Eno’s light and projection artwork that was projected onto the Lovell Telescope at last year’s festival.

Bluedot organiser Ben Robinson said: “The announcement of this commission signifies an outstanding commission concept, fusing audio and visual art, scientific data and computer programming. We are honoured to welcome an international artist of such standing to Bluedot.

“Coupled with the use of live data from the cosmos, this truly represents an artwork of global ambition.”

Elsewhere across the arts and culture programme is internationally acclaimed French theatre company, Compagnie De Quidams, who will host their performance, Herbert’s Dream, on the opening night of the festival.

Last year’s popular Outer Space area returns to the arboretum with new multi-sensory artworks and installations from outdoor arts experts Walk the Plank.

Bluedot takes place between July 7 and 9 at Jodrell Bank and aims to cross the divide between science and culture.

The main music line-up includes Alt-J, Orbital, Pixies, Soulwax, Goldfrapp, Warpaint and Hawkwind.

n Full weekend camping tickets start from £159 or £59 for an individual day ticket. Visit discoverthebluedot.com