Arts-Integrated Research Examples
a2ru defines arts-integrated research as that research that occurs at the intersection of the arts/design and other disciplines. Here is a partial list of examples of such research, as well as theorizing about it. We welcome your suggestions for additions to this list!
Publications
a2ru Ground Works. https://groundworks.io/
a2ru’s peer-reviewed platform for arts-integrated research includes a Journal page with exemplary arts-integrated research projects.
The STEAM Revolution: Transdisciplinary Approaches to Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Humanities and Mathematics. de la Garza, A., & Travis, C. (Eds.). (2019). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-89818-6
Edited volume that explores the possibilities of arts-integrated research, with contributions ranging from bacteria art, to the theoretical and practical benefits of dancing a PhD in renewable energy, to introductions to the emerging fields of heritage science, environmental and digital humanities, among others.
Vibrant Ecologies of Research. https://groundworks.io/journal/collections/1
A special collection on a2ru Ground Works exploring the ecologies and institutional structures in which arts-integrated research can thrive.
Leonardo/ISAST. https://leonardo.info/
Leonardo is a publication and think tank that serves transdisciplinary scholars, artists, scientists, technologists and thinkers. Leonardo fosters transformation at the nexus of art, science, and technology because complex problems require creative solutions.
Centers and Initiatives at a2ru Member Institutions
Arts Integration Initiative, Dartmouth College
https://hop.dartmouth.edu/2023-arts-integration-projects
The Arts Integration Initiative at the Hopkins Center for the Arts (Dartmouth College) supports arts-centric research, incubates interdisciplinary projects, and advances faculty-student mentorship.
Arts Research Integration (ARI), University of Kansas
https://www.spencerart.ku.edu/ari/inquiries
The Arts Research Integration (ARI) program at the Spencer Museum of Art (University of Kansas) leverages the power of artists and art to advance interdisciplinary research practices and engage the public in learning and knowledge-sharing. Its collaborative projects are called inquiries.
Center for Arts in Medicine Interdisciplinary Research Lab, University of Florida
https://arts.ufl.edu/academics/center-for-arts-in-medicine/researchandpublications/
The University of Florida Center for the Arts in Medicine is committed to advancing research, education, and practice in arts in health, building on a broad array of histories and practices at the intersections of the arts, culture and health. The Center’s Interdisciplinary Research Lab encourages creativity in interdisciplinary research among students, research associates, and faculty from the arts, health sciences and other disciplines.
Collaborative Arts Research Initiative (CARI), University of Alabama
The Collaborative Arts Research Initiative (CARI) at the University of Alabama is an interdisciplinary, arts-focused research engine. By facilitating collaborations across disciplines, CARI maximizes the impact of faculty arts research, while enriching the University, local, and regional communities.
UGA Arts Collaborative, University of Georgia
The UGA Arts Collaborative at the University of Georgia is a catalyst for innovative, interdisciplinary creative projects, advanced research and critical discourse in the arts, and for creative applications of technologies, concepts, and practices found across disciplines.
Institute for Creativity Arts, and Technology (ICAT), Virginia Tech
https://icat.vt.edu/projects.html
The Institute for Creativity, Arts, and Technology (ICAT) at Virginia Tech advances research, innovation, and education by bringing together faculty and students across disciplines; providing funding, space, support, and expertise; and building mutually beneficial partnerships beyond campus.