STEM to STEAM
Kyle Chayka writing for ArtInfo about the infusion of the arts into the discussion surrounding STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics), an education reform initiative developed to help the U.S. become more competitive on the international stage.
Under technologically inclined president John Maeda, the Rhode Island School of Design has launched STEM to STEAM with the goal of fostering “the true innovation that comes with combining the mind of a scientist or technologist with that of an artist or designer.” Hackathons have arisen as an event format that brings the freewheeling, creative spirit of art to technological experimentation.
This is important. If we want to encourage competition in these key areas, we need to also encourage innovation. Artists are innovators by nature. The more people we have approaching science, technology, engineering and mathematics with an artistic or innovator’s touch, the more impactful this STEM initiative will be.
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