STEAMhouse Shines at Ars Electronica Festival

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From September 4th to 8th, STEAMhouse, which is powered by Birmingham City University, contributed to the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz, Austria. Representing STEAMhouse, Laura Veart, its International Programme Manager, talked about the innovative work and interdisciplinary practices of STEAMhouse, during the IT:U Founding Lab Day organised by Interdisciplinary Transformation University Austria.

Ars Electronica Festival 2024: “HOPE – who will turn the tide”

This year’s theme, “HOPE – who will turn the tide,” focuses on the intersection of art, technology, and society. The festival features a variety of events, including exhibitions, concerts, talks, and workshops.

STEAMhouse: pioneering interdisciplinary education

STEAMhouse is known for its high-tech collaborative spaces, incubators, and artist studios supporting start-ups. It offers innovation services for businesses and public sector clients, and educational programmes for students. As a regional innovation hub, STEAMhouse has secured investments, enhanced student learning, and advanced STEAM practices through international projects.

IT:U Founding Lab Conference

The IT:U Founding Lab Conference explored the transformative role of AI in higher education. Keynote speaker Joanna J. Bryson from Hertie University Berlin, along with other leading experts, discussed innovative approaches in project-oriented and interdisciplinary university teaching.

The discussions around innovative approaches in project-oriented and interdisciplinary university teaching were fascinating and came away with some key insights we should keep in mind when incorporating AI into higher education:

Work on “the whole” and not on individual pieces

  • Respect what each discipline brings to the table
  • Always build collectives, not hierarchies
  • We should try to get from being “users” to “shapers”
  • Do things now that will be normal in 5 years time!
  • Be mission-driven
  • Collaboration is fundamental for research

STEAMhouse’s participation at the Ars Electronica Festival underscores its commitment to interdisciplinary education and innovation, setting a benchmark for future initiatives.