Creativity is the fundamental source of innovation in any endeavor. Unfortunately, current educational models generally focus on the development of analytical skills at the expense of creative thought. In 2007 Professor and artist Victoria Vesna, founded the NanoLab summer institute, based on her popular GE class, Art, Science & Technology (DESMA 9). She is passionate about the need to teach high school students that there is no need to choose between art and science, and the importance of collaboration and creativity. Sponsored by UCLA's Art|Sci Center, Department of Design | Media Arts and the California NanoSystems Institute (CNSI), the Sci|Art NanoLab focuses on interdisciplinary collaborations exploring the possibilities and implications of scientific and technological innovation. Nanoscience research requires fresh ways of thinking and new methodologies and the future of innovation and discovery in nanotechnology is determined not just by scientific knowledge, but also by the application of creative thought and imagination that go beyond a traditional reductionist approach. The advantage of an artistic approach lies in its ability to address challenges from a more holistic and general view, to conceive of new ways to deal with complexity which, when combined with science, provide a powerful new direction for invention and creation. Through historical retrospective, cutting edge lab visits, guest lectures, field trips, surveys of current art-science collaborations as well as science fiction movie screenings, students will be exposed to the interface of science, art and culture. In two weeks students experience a 10-week class and receive college credit that is transferable.
Registrations start Feb/15
http://artsci.ucla.edu/summer/