Art on the Brain: Exploring the Intersections of the Arts, Neuroscience, and Society

Art is an expression of human culture and individual minds/brains as well as a force that has shaped the development of the human species. In addition to artists themselves, neuroscientists, anthropologists, biologists, and philosophers all explore the nature, potential, and meaning of the arts and artistic capacities. In turn, these varying approaches provide inspiration for artists to explore and communicate elements of science through the arts.

The Foundation for Psychocultural Research/Hampshire College Program in Culture, Brain, and Development (CBD) hosted a conference June 3-4, 2010 to offer a forum for a small group of scientists, social scientists, humanists, and artists working in all media to explore how the arts and sciences and humanities influence and inspire each other. Participants gave short presentations on how their work engages with--or could shed light on--issues at the intersections of the sciences (including social sciences), humanities, and arts.

Rebecca Miller, associate professor of music, and 2010 associate director of the CBD Program, organized the conference.

Laura Sizer, associate professor of philosophy, was 2010 director of the CBD Program.