Strategies for Art + Science + Technology Research StoryMap & Executive Report, National Science Foundation & National Endowment for the Arts
National Research Funding Policy Symposiums
Role: NSF Program Officer (funder and co-organizer)
National Research Funding Policy Symposiums
Role: NSF Program Officer (funder and co-organizer)
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CreativeIT Workshop Series
2010 - 2012
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EXCUTIVE SUMMARY: NSF/NEA Workshop
The arts and the sciences each contribute to the improvement and understanding of the human condition. Yet, it is clear that these modes of inquiry feature different values, aims, methods, registers and more. Furthermore, they are often posed in opposition to one another, highlighting the largely incommensurate extremes rather than productive synergies that endeavor to serve integrated Arts + Sciences + Technology ends. In contrast, on September 15th-16th 2010, over fifty-five thought leaders and stakeholders (artists, engineers, computer scientists, and practitioners who straddle disciplinary boundaries) were convened for a two-day interactive discussion about the challenges and opportunities for advances in the creative innovation economy and education institutions. |
The main goal was to identify synergies and foster collaborations across and between constituencies and develop a set of actionable areas of mutual interest: Inquiry, collaboration, funding opportunities, lifelong learning, and innovation that are recognized by both the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. The workshop goal highlights the importance of the national intellectual currency that bridges Arts + Sciences + Technology research.
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
The workshop format combined structured dialogue, annotated discourse, mind maps, reflective aspirations, and multiple breakout sessions focused on identifying structural and cultural issues in the diverse Arts + Sciences + Technology community. We began with a group session in which participants were each asked:
What is THE big question you are asking about your work, research, institution, and why?
This session oriented the participants toward each other and set the stage for targeted smaller group sessions. Each breakout discussion group was preceded by a roundtable called ―Sharing Perspectives‖ - brief conversations between three or four selected participants. The roundtables introduced topics areas for breakout group discussions in
which all participants were engaged.
Sharing Perspectives Topics
Each ―Sharing Perspectives‖ and breakout group session was moderated by members of the workshop committee with the assistance of graphics facilitation. The workshop notes were aggregated and coded to reveal the major themes and key issues made during the two-day workshop. The result is this executive summary and a workshop Storymap graphic. Additional information about the workshop Storymap can be found at the end of this document.
The workshop culminated with a gap analysis exercise designed to identify the current, desired, and future states of Arts + Science + Technology research community. The gap analysis discussions focused on the following topics:
WORKSHOP OBJECTIVES
- Identify intersecting points between the Fine, Applied, and Performing Arts and Cognitive Science, Human-Centered Computing, and Computer Science and Engineering
- Develop a gap analysis about opportunities and challenges in the field.
- Foster a dialogue between the National Science Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts
The workshop format combined structured dialogue, annotated discourse, mind maps, reflective aspirations, and multiple breakout sessions focused on identifying structural and cultural issues in the diverse Arts + Sciences + Technology community. We began with a group session in which participants were each asked:
What is THE big question you are asking about your work, research, institution, and why?
This session oriented the participants toward each other and set the stage for targeted smaller group sessions. Each breakout discussion group was preceded by a roundtable called ―Sharing Perspectives‖ - brief conversations between three or four selected participants. The roundtables introduced topics areas for breakout group discussions in
which all participants were engaged.
Sharing Perspectives Topics
- Successful research, creative works and collaborations.
- Chasms and barriers to interdisciplinary research and possible resolutions.
- Best practices in education, pedagogy, and institution policies.
- Technology and cultural trends that are influencing research in the field.
- Best practices for inter-institutional Networks of Excellence
Each ―Sharing Perspectives‖ and breakout group session was moderated by members of the workshop committee with the assistance of graphics facilitation. The workshop notes were aggregated and coded to reveal the major themes and key issues made during the two-day workshop. The result is this executive summary and a workshop Storymap graphic. Additional information about the workshop Storymap can be found at the end of this document.
The workshop culminated with a gap analysis exercise designed to identify the current, desired, and future states of Arts + Science + Technology research community. The gap analysis discussions focused on the following topics:
- Institutions: What actionable steps can be taken by lead institutions in scientific research, arts practice and funding?
- Infrastructure: How do we identify key infrastructural needs for research in the field?
- Scholarship: How do we demonstrate the impact of research in this interdisciplinary field on traditional disciplines?
- Learning: What is the role of the academic institution, and non-profit and grassroots organizations in broadening participation in STEM and arts learning?
- Networks: How do we move from isolated successes to inter-organizational awareness and collaboration?