Conveying Science Through Art: A Public Engagement Workshop, August 2019

Public Engagement Begins with Storytelling

Are you a scientist seeking a creative outlet and connection to a broader audience? Or a creative professional who wants to inspire others with a passion for science? This 3-day workshop will equip you with skills and techniques to tap into your creative side, and effectively communicate the wonder and complexity of science to diverse audiences. The workshop itself will be followed by a unique 2-day field experience at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York, where participants will have the opportunity to apply what they’ve learned by engaging the public in a range of activities, pop-up events, and immersive learning experiences.

Many people who believe that science is “not for them”, have only ever encountered it via formal, largely passive, classroom experiences. The New York Academy of Sciences, in partnership with Guerilla Science and Pratt Institute, wants to change that. This 3-day workshop is for individuals interested in creating experiences that mix science with art, music and play, to introduce new audiences to the excitement of scientific discovery.

If you believe that public engagement in science is critical to a well-functioning society, this transformative experience will give you the tools you need to take your science communication to a whole new level.

First, the workshop

Held at the New York Academy of Sciences, this three-day activity-rich workshop will cover topics including: science, society and culture; audience interactions; mixing science with art, music, and play; building immersive experiences; bringing science into unusual places; and designing for equity and impact. The workshop will culminate in a final showcase where participants bring together all they have learned in a unique public engagement activity they will share, first with their peers, and then with the general public as part of their field experience. The workshop will also include optional field-trips and social activities in the evenings.

Then, the field experience

Graduates from the workshop will create, perform and engage with public audiences in two days of field activities, pop-up events, and immersive, playful events at the Dutchess County Fair in Rhinebeck, New York (August 20-25). Participants will have the option to select any two days of the five-day fair period for their field work. This unique experience will enable them to synthesize all they’ve learned, while introducing new, diverse audiences to the excitement of scientific discovery.

Eligibility & Selection Criteria

• All disciplines and professions are welcome to apply. Scientists and artists, including performance artists, are encouraged to apply.
• Applicants must hold an undergraduate degree.
• Applicants from all locations are welcome, but for those travelling from beyond the NYC metropolitan area, please be aware that we cannot provide travel support.
• Membership in the New York Academy of Sciences is not mandatory, but applicants are encouraged to become Members prior to attending the workshop. If you are not already a Member, please join here.

Application Materials

You’ll need to submit all of your application materials in one go, so be sure to prepare the following items in advance:

1) Statement of purpose (max. 300 words): One to three paragraphs explaining why you are interested in public engagement with science, and what you hope to get out of this experience.

2) Collaboration essay (max. 300 words): One to three paragraphs describing your approach to interdisciplinary collaboration, and your thoughts on how the inclusion of diverse perspectives might improve public engagement with science.

3) Candidate biography (max. 150 words): A short paragraph describing your background, interests, and professional goals. Include a description of any previous experience you’ve had with science outreach or public engagement.

4) Your discipline (max. 50 words): Some of themes we will be exploring include Vacations on other planets, Bugs as foods of the future, Taste Illusions and the Senses. Please describe in very general basic terms how you can imagine connecting your expertise or practice to these events, e.g. scientific connection, artistic connection, audience-interaction, design contribution, educational connection.

5) Your Resume (max. 2 pages)

Questions? Visit our FAQ page, or email us at sciencealliance@nyas.org.