Art of Science Learning Sparks Innovation with the Arts in Cities Across US
Spring 2015
Hacking Hunger, Seed Saddle, and Foodweb Chicago – these are just a few examples of innovative projects announced last week to solve urban food and nutrition challenges in Chicago. The projects came out of the Chicago Museum of Science and Industry’s year-long Art of Science Learning fellowship program and incubator, where participants are challenged to spark innovation at the intersection of arts, science, and learning to address real-world issues. Funded by a National Science Foundation grant, the Chicago program joins two other incubators around the U.S., each addressing a civic challenge (i.e. water resources in San Diego, and alternative transportation in Massachusetts). Harvey Seifter, Founder of Art of Science Learning states, “We want to take all these different tools and techniques artists use, and say ‘What’s the problem? And how can we come up with a solution we can go to market with?'” The hope is these incubators will teach participants skills in opportunity identification, idea generation, communication, collaboration, design and numerous other skills tied to the arts and creativity that can drive sustainable innovation. Teams from each incubator will be present their innovations in a comprehensive exhibition later this year.
