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As a way to broaden the international discussion on global warming and encourage a new way of thinking about humanity’s relationship to the natural environment, the University is bringing people “back to their senses,” and inspiring a public debate about the urgency to address pressing environmental problems.
From Oct. 27-Nov. 7, “Arts & The Environment: Earth, Air, Fire and Water” probes innovative ways to effectively raise awareness of environmental issues including sustainability, the plight of urban areas, the clashes between technology and life, and humanity’s relationship to the natural elements of the earth, air, fire and water. Events during the two weeks are free and open to the public.
Bringing together artists, scientists, engineers and policymakers, the series of artistic installations, performances and screenings aims to foster collaboration across academic disciplines.
“Our goal is to show how engagement in the arts stimulates and supports an interdisciplinary collaboration that can inspire people to think in new ways about pressing social, cultural and environmental problems,” says Christopher Kendall, dean of the School of Music, Theatre & Dance, and a director of Arts on Earth, sponsors of “Arts and The Environment.”
Arts on Earth is a campuswide initiative to promote the creative process as an indispensable way of learning and a method applicable beyond traditional artistic disciplines. The long-term aim is to establish an inter-arts center on campus that brings together faculty from all disciplines.
Other Arts on Earth directors include deans Bryan Rogers, School of Art & Design; David Munson, College of Engineering; and Monica Ponce de Leon, Taubman College of Architecture + Urban Planning.
“From the University to the marketplace to everyday life, there’s a central place for creativity in helping people understand the world, and finding ways to address a range of personal and societal issues,” Rogers says. “At the University of Michigan, we’re looking for ways to teach the creative process, and to cultivate both critical understanding and inventiveness.”
In winter term, a new course, “Creative Process,” aims to teach students how to develop their creativity. Last spring, Arts on Earth sponsored an interdisciplinary, universitywide design competition to create a site-specific interactive installation to attract students to North Campus, and transform the University grounds into a dynamic meeting place.
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