Middle English centre,
from Old French, from Latin centrum, from Greek kentron, center of
a circle, from kentein, to prick
1. The Center for Emergent Arts, Design and Science (CEADS)
Technological advances
and cultural shifts have changed the nature of the arts and the fields of
academic study. New media are being developed that cross the boundaries between art and
science, between design and technology. These powerful media require collaborative efforts--
and reward them. Brown and RISD have great strengths in the areas most important for these
emergent technologies and media. There is some overlap in these areas between the two
schools, but there are also many areas in which the schools have complementary resources and
skills. Additionally, potential exists to initiate innovative linkages from disciplines with ongoing
histories, i.e. design and sciences. A collaboration that makes the most of this situation will
release a tremendous creative synergy.
The Center for
Emergent Arts, Design and Science would be an open structure for fostering a
number of programs, research groups, creative projects in which faculty from both schools
participate in collaborative efforts that link existing fields and disciplines or generate new ones.
Because our focus will be on the creative potential of future technologies, we envision a
malleable structure that will reshape itself continuously based on faculty-led research and
programs. By developing initiatives that maximize shared resources and leverage existing
strengths, we have the opportunity to leapfrog our competitors in this area, bringing
international distinction to both of our institutions.
That is our hope.
The reality is that Brown and RISD are far behind competing institutions in
these areas. Most of our competitors have already invested, and continue to invest, millions of
dollars in new facilities, new faculty appointments, and research. In fact, there is somewhat of a
hiring frenzy going on right now in all areas related to digital media. Many of us have visited
these centers, with their gleaming new architecture, rooms full of equipment, technicians ready
to serve and new academic programs. There is no reason to believe we cannot build similar
world-class facilities between our two institutions. We are confident that the idea of Brown and
RISD collaborating in the areas of art/science/design/technology will capture the attention of
corporate sponsors, government granting agencies, foundations and alumni. However, we are
cognizant of the fact that these are very difficult economic times. So, we present here a three-
phase plan, beginning with what we can achieve immediately, using existing structures
and
with few additional funds. Our ultimate goal, however, is to gather some of the greatest minds in
these emerging fields at a state-of-the art facility that would create a shared sense of purpose
and community. The facility would be used for research, teaching, performance, and exhibition,
with a support staff, post-docs, and several academic programs.
Explore the Center:
or Explore the Edge:
1. Andreas
