QUESTION
In both art and science, innovation is very often the unintended result of a creative/investigative process. Do you think these "accidental breakthroughs" are more apt to be amplified or hindered in interdisciplinary collaborative partnerships? Does it make a difference whether the collaboration is product-based (with or without a definite time-frame for completion) or a more theory-based, ongoing process?

The first topics of discussion included some definitions of innovation in solo and collaborative models. Ms. Meckley brought up the point that, as illustrated by earlier presentations, the development of the collaborative partnership itself constitutes a kind of innovation. Dialogue ensued about innovation in working methods and pairings of people.

REPORT
In conversation about the New Paradigm of art integrated with society we talked about different types of innovation that happen in art and science. The distinction between incremental building of a product, process of paradigm vs. breaking through (the so called "creating out of nothing") nature of paradigm shifts in art and science was the first topic of engaged dialogue. In this context the ongoing identity crisis of artist was questioned. The role of the artist in society that includes a change in the sense of responsibility - and belonging. On the other hand, most professions are experiencing an identity crisis.

A real question can be what kind of growth do people care about? And how can that growth lead to real collaboration that is not funding or product driven. What do they want to accomplish when they choose to collaborate? Examples of collaboration that do not have a specific product in mind brings more innovations coming from a free flowing processes; innovations for community.

The session was closed with a quote from John Cage: "I find myself more committed, the more diverse and multiplied my actions and interests become."

Diana Meckley is a composer, writer/editor, arts administrator, and researcher, whose work over two decades reflects her interest in the interfaces between art, science, and technology. Meckley received her B.A. in English (Minor, Biology), continuing graduate work at NYU in Music Composition. Her compositions range from those for electronically-processed speech to string quartet. Major grants/commissions include those from NYSCA, Mary Flagler Cary Charitable Trust, Meet the Composer, New Radio and Performing Arts, and Arts Midwest. She has participated in and helped conceptualize a number of conferences/symposia focusing on art+science, emerging art forms, and interdisciplinary collaboration and has developed curricula on the historical and current impact of technology on artistic creation/presentation. Meckley serves on the Board of Directors of ASCI, the Board of Advisors of Harvestworks, Digital Media Arts, and is a charter member of the Electronic Music Foundation.

dimeckley@earthlink.net