Who says the arts can’t solve big problems?
The three partners in a National Science Foundation-funded project, “Art of Science Learning, Phase 2,” administered by the Balboa Park Cultural Partnership, have settled on their “community challenge.”
In Chicago (Museum of Science and Industry), it’s nutrition (scarcity in the midst of plenty): “Chicago is a world-class culinary city, but an estimated 20 percent of its residents are affected by food insecurity. How can science, technology, engineering and math help create plentiful access to healthy food options throughout the city?”
In Worcester (EcoTarium), it’s transportation: How can we find “new transportation solutions to enhance Worcester’s economic productivity, connect its neighborhoods and communities, and improve the quality of life for its residents and visitors?”
In San Diego (Balboa Park), it’s water (the mismatch between regional supply and demand): “San Diego currently imports 90 percent of its freshwater supply, while demand continues to increase. How can our region ensure the reliable, sustainable, high quality water supply it needs to support a healthy society, economy, and environment? How can we creatively reduce demand, while meeting the region’s needs?”
The four-year, $2.6 million project will explore and document the effect of integrating innovative, arts-based strategies with STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) education to solve complex, real-world problems.
"The civic challenges selected by large and richly diverse groups of community leaders in San Diego, Chicago and Worcester are among the most complex and intractable STEM problems facing our society today," said Harvey Seifter, director of the project. "Solutions are urgently needed, and I'm thrilled that the Art of Science Learning incubators will be contributing through innovation sparked at the intersection of art, science and learning."
Each city is now forming an 100-member “incubator for innovation” that will immerse itself in arts-based and STEM learning and apply them to their civic challenge. The effort will include a study expected to show that creative, arts-based problem-solving can be a key element in unlocking solutions to seemingly intractable challenges — like water supply, transportation and hunger.