Arts and Cultural Heritage Community Arts Learning Grant

1) Participants are exposed to examples of art and music that challenge prior conceptions and expand awareness of the range of approaches practiced and possible. 2) The technology underlying musical robots and related technologies are demystified and examined. 3) Participants gain basic understanding of concepts related to instrument design, robotic devices, musical composition, and improvisation. These concepts are imparted and utilized in the creative process. 4) Participants acquire or improve upon skills and techniques related to musical instrument design and music composition. 5) Students work collaboratively to efficiently complete a complex and multifaceted creative project. A primary measure of success will be the successful completion of a new musical robot and its use in realizing new music by participants at the conclusion of each workshop. Additionally, workshop participants will be surveyed following each workshop. The questionnaire will solicit responses concerning what students learned in the workshop, the identification of aspects that were particularly successful as well as those that show room for improvement or reconsideration. Follow-up interviews with the workshop liaisons at each venue will be conducted to gather their assessments of the event and any constructive criticism that may inform future workshops.