Science, Art & Society 1

The multi-directional relationship between science, art, and society is in great need of repair. Due to the casting out of beauty from art and validity of facts from science by Postmodernism, art and science both suffer from a disconnect with the public.This disconnect is well reflected in the lack of funding for the arts and the lack of science literacy nationwide. This disconnect also exists between the worlds of art and science themselves, needlessly hampering what could be a well-accepted and embraced partnership in addressing and solving our 21st century opportunities and problems. As cultural and intellectual authorities, it is up to the arts and sciences to bridge the gulf between art, science, and society. This roundtable topic will address the steps we can take towards mending these relationships and how we may reach a more holistic society.

How do we bridge the gulf between art and science, and between art, science, and society? What responsibilities do art and science have as cultural and intellectual authorities? How do we improve science and art literacy? How can science reach the public without dumbing itself down? How can art repair the damage to its reputation incurred during postmodernism? How can we achieve a culture in which science and art are considered worthy of funding?

December 2, Saturday:
9am: Doors open

9:30-11am: STEAM & the Future of Education Roundtable #1
(Roger Malina, Nirav Patel, Elizabeth Waters, Tarah Rhoda, Alana Quinn, and Tyler Aiello)

11-11:15am: Artistic Interlude curated by Cynthia Pannucci of Art & Science Collaborations

11:15am-11:30am: Coffee break

11:30am-1pm: Science, Art & Society Roundtable #1
(Erik Hoel, Alana Quinn, Ben Lillie, David Grinspoon, Elizabeth Demaray, and Stuart Firestein)

1-2:15pm Lunch on your own

2:15-3:45pm: Science-Art Collaboration Roundtable #2
(Daniel Kohn, Edgar Choureiri, Tega Brain, Patricia Olynyk, Karen Ingram, and Alexis Gambis)

3:45-4pm: Artistic Interlude curated by Jame Mcray

4-4:15pm: Coffee break

4:15-5:45pm: STEAM & the Future of Education Roundtable #2
(Harvey Seifter, Jill Bargonetti, Paul Fry, Cynthia Pannucci, Daniel Grushkin, and Ellen Levy)

7-9:30pm: Art night out!
Art reception & refreshments at UES Gallery, 208 E 73rd St, New York NY*
      *This reception is the opening night of “The Void and the Cloud,” a science-based art exhibition hosted by SciArt Center in
       tandem with this conference. The reception is open the public and will include music and refreshments. Conference participants
       are encouraged to attend.