Emerging Scholar Award

Art, in its diverse forms, constitutes a distinctive means of communication, allowing for dialogues in formal, informal and culturally plural contexts within society. Art opens windows to understanding social interactions. It provides an historical record of social evolution. Bringing discussion about art and reflection of its impacts within contemporary social contexts prompts us to consider questions of identity (human, natural and material). Can art then can exceed its primary goal of reflection, such that, through it, both culture and identity acquire new expressions? In this context, what kinds of new research and development endeavors are required, including active, collaborative and participative approaches?