Fourteenth International Conference on the Arts in Society

Abstract

Developing skills and talents through traditional art studio curriculum, and as a result developing a portfolio, may not be a sufficient pedagogy in the 21st century university. Introducing innovative collaborations among related or unrelated studio disciplines may be a necessity to broaden students’ knowledge, professional and interpersonal skills. The Net and iGenerations, the current student population, are defined by their technology and effective use of media. They are organized and can multitask, but often limit their communication to the closest circle of classmates isolating themselves. In art studios, the hands-on approach to the creative process naturally creates a self-sufficient environment for a student. Through interdisciplinary collaborative projects, on-line and on campus, students have a unique opportunity to work with other art and non-art students. The interdisciplinary collaborations, such as with science, enrich students by developing better communication skills, critical thinking, adaptability, by broadening knowledge and expanding their inspiration. This paper will try to shed new light on studio experience and practices, and how it impacts students.