NAS Intersections 2021:
Connect, Converge, Collaborate

Program Description

Intersections 2021: Connect, Converge, Collaborate is a three-pronged program designed by the National Academy of Sciences with funding from the Getty Foundation to connect science stakeholders with PST 2024 project teams. PST Phase I Grantees and science stakeholders will further explore the fertile terrain of art-science intersections through a variety of themes from “ecology and sustainability” and “indigenous knowledge and technologies” to “technologies of seeing” and “biology and medicine” – and much in between.

CONNECT

The first gathering of Intersections 2021 took place on August 31 in a virtual, interactive meeting space. The purpose of this convening was to introduce people across disciplines, communities and networks. Following a keynote discussion that was designed to inspire an integrative way of thinking, participants moved from the lecture hall to breakout groups to engage in rapid fire speed dating for creative practitioners. All attendees had up to two minutes to share their work and learn about the multitude of activities that others are engaged in at the intersection of disciplines. A virtual lounge will provide space for people to connect in between speed dating rounds and the Attendify App also helped attendees connect during (and long after) the convening.

CURRENTLY UNDERWAY: CONVERGE

Project staff surveyed attendees following the first convening to identify ways to further develop the connections made, and encourage convergence around areas of mutual interest. Curated introductions and conversations tailored to the needs of individual projects have been arranged through Zoom “pop-salons.” The Attendify App also supports connections among attendees.

COLLABORATE

The second online gathering will be held on October 28 (again in a virtual meeting space) featuring a keynote discussion focused on art, science and community, breakout rooms on topics most important to the community. The purpose of the convening is to provide the time and space for community members to build on the connections made and identify next steps to actualize the ideas that Intersections 2021 has generated. It will conclude with an experiential meditation on the environment followed by an open mic discussion and Q&A.

Our extensive experience with bringing together a diverse group of creative practitioners to explore the intersections of disciplines reminds us that these relationships take time. We hope that the interactive technologies utilized have supported the Intersections 2021 experiment and moderated some of the additional challenges presented by the virtual, dispersed nature of the

project’s initiation. In addition to curiosity and interest in the intersection of disciplines and specific scientific content, you are among a group of creative practitioners who are eager to test new models for connecting, converging, and collaborating on areas of shared interest. Thank you for joining us. We look forward to watching the community flourish in the coming years.

For a full experience of the virtual platform, please join the event using Google Chrome [77+], Firefox [76+], or Microsoft Edge [87+]. If you are unable to use those browsers, you can join on Safari or a mobile device for a more limited attendee experience. 

For additional help registering, contact Melanie at [email protected]
or use the chat function at the bottom of the page between 9am-5pm ET.