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Paper: Capturing Public Interest in Astronomy through Art and Music
Volume: 400, Preparing for the 2009 International Year of Astronomy: A Hands-on Symposium
Page: 122
Authors: Sharma, M.; Sabraw, J.; Salgado, J.F.; Statler, T.; Summers, F.
Abstract: This is a summary of our 90-minute International Year of Astronomy (IYA) symposium workshop about engaging greater public interest in astronomy during the International Year of Astronomy 2009 through art and music. The session focused on: (i) plans for visually interesting and challenging astronomy presentations to connect with an audience at venues such as museums, concert halls, etc that might be apprehensive about science but open to creative experiences; (ii) the nuts-and-bolts of turning creative ideas into exhibits or visualizations; (iii) balancing scientific accuracy with artistic license; and (iv) how scientists, Education and Public Outreach (EPO) professionals, artists, musicians et al. can bridge the “two cultures”—starting and sustaining multi-disciplinary collaborations, articulating expectations, and building synergy.

The presenters shared with the EPO community some of the astronomyart projects and resources that we have been developing for the IYA through a variety of collaborations. Our portfolios include state-of-the-art astronomy visualizations and tools, music videos and podcasts that highlight stunning images from NASA’s Great Observatories; a video suite of astronomical images that can accompany live performances of Holst’s The Planets and Mussorgsky’s Pictures at an Exhibition; and SCALE, a multicomponent traveling art installation including the largest pastel drawing of the Milky Way.

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