[ISEA2012] Curators Statement: AGNES CHAVEZ & ANITA MCKEOWN – EDUCATION PROGRAM

Curator Statement

Intro

FOUR HUNDRED YEARS OF DIVERGENCE BETWEEN Science and the arts has ingrained specialized learning in our educational systems, by design and practice. Most recently, this has taken form as an increased focus on STEM subjects (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), in response to research showing that nationwide our students are lagging behind in science and math. ln turn, funding for arts and humanities has been cut in order to direct more time toward STEM education. How can we begin to integrate our experiences amidst this fragmentation? The arts and sciences combined create a unique portal of exploration through which we discover the nature of reality and express what it is to be human. Has the fragmented approach of the industrial age made way for a new vision of humanity in this century? Is it possible to harness global connectivity and open source technologies to reverse the fragmentation of knowledge, the separation of reason and emotion. the divergence of art and science?

  • AGNES CHAVEZ, ISEA2012 Education Program Director, Artist & Founder of STEMArts/Sube, Inc.
  • ANITA MCKEOWN, ISEA2012 Education Focus Day Co-leader & Education Consultant / SMARTlab, University College Dublin, Ireland

Full text (PDF)  p. 108-109