The influence of interdisciplinary arts in today’s interconnected world

In a world where outdated academic frameworks are frequently challenged by liberal acts of artistic expression, students are increasingly searching for a creative environment to develop their innovative potential.

With subjects that embrace individuality, interdisciplinary arts are the natural milieu modern day creative.

To truly understand the concept, you must look at the work of interdisciplinary artists who have dared to design their careers without restriction.

For example, Matthew Barney, a well-known photographer, artist, filmmaker and sculptor chose to pursue all four of his passions. Then there’s iconic graphic artist, musician, poet and filmmaker, Yoko Ono, who channelled her originality into diverse creative channels.

Interdisciplinary artists are those who take advantage of new media and materials, never shying away from the unknown. By daring to dive straight into the deep waters of artistry, they soon develop employable skills like adaptability, open-mindedness, self-management, problem-solving and resilience.

To host the current and future generations of aspiring interdisciplinary innovators, universities must also value the concept of hybridity and creative space.

By offering a myriad of arts-based modules and constructing an environment where students have the freedom to create without pressure, exhibiting their talents to the community, the university soon becomes a magnet for artistic agents of change.

One such academic institution is Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.

Directing the world’s next interdisciplinary trendsetters toward the Dan School of Drama and Music and notably, the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts, Queen’s provides a global stage for student talent to be showcased.

If you’re uncertain about which artistic discipline you’d like to explore, the Dan School of Drama and Music offers an assortment of blended undergraduate and postgraduate programmes.

For undergraduates, there are Drama courses, Music courses, Music/Theatre (MUTH) courses, Stage and Screen (STSC) courses, Entrepreneurship and Innovation (ENIN) courses, Arts Leadership (ARTL) courses, Interdisciplinary Studies (IDIS) and Computing and the Creative Arts (COCA) courses to be pursued.

In collaboration with the Dan School of Drama and Music, the Isabel Bader Centre for the Performing Arts also provides the MA in Arts Leadership and Arts Management Graduate Diploma for postgraduate students.

In those programs, students can study Arts Marketing, Arts Philanthropy, Financial Accounting, Strategic Planning, Cultural Policy, Strategic Leadership & Governance, Contract Negotiations, Creative Entrepreneurship, Analytical Research Skills, Theatre Administration and an Arts Leadership Capstone.

As an 80,000-square-foot world-class facility, purpose-built to create exceptional experiences for students and audiences alike, the Isabel Bader Centre is internationally-recognised for its exquisite architecture and design.

Representing the true essence of interdisciplinary arts, the building accommodates the needs of theatre, music, film and media students. With a 566-seat performance hall and a 100-seat flexible theatre hall to present their latest productions, Queen’s learners are encouraged to hone their artistic talent and unleash their full potential.

Strategically located by the tranquil waterside, it’s no surprise that lead architect, Robert Matthews was stunned by the building’s view of the white-capped lake and its overall “presence and power”. Integrating large expanses of glass, Isabel’s design draws the lake into the building and lives up to its label as “one of the great concert halls in eastern Canada”.

A recognised hub of interdisciplinary exchange, you can see through this virtual tour that the Isabel Bader Centre radiates natural inspiration for students to integrate into their artistic projects.

Complete with a seminar room with 16 MM projection, a film and media resource library, a student lounge overlooking the lake, a 92-seat screening room with state-of-the-art digital projection and an art and media lab, Isabel is a picturesque environment built for today’s interconnected performers.

As Professor Margaret Walker explains, “We want our students to be equipped to pursue careers in fields like arts management, sound production and radio, too – and the interdisciplinary nature of the Isabel will help facilitate that.”

Plus, with featured performances, the Kingston Symphony, the Ka’tarohkwi Festival of Indigenous Arts, Soloist special events and more, you’ll never be short of things to do at Queen’s.

Fueled by creativity and curiosity, there are also many engaging events and projects to be discovered at the Dan School of Drama and Music. For instance, the 2019 Voaden Prize National Competition for playwriters, performance enhancement workshops, Salon D’Esprit Francais and more!

By watching the above video, you’ll also capture the university’s commitment to campus inclusivity. At present, there are 23,600 Queen’s students from 110+ different countries and high employment rates for students after graduation.

If you want to know more about how Queen’s fulfils your career expectations, check out these graduate student stories. Travelling from afar to secure their artistic aspirations, many of these learners followed their heart and interests in interdisciplinary learning styles.

By collaborating with the Dan School of Drama and Music and the Isabel Bader Centre for Performing Arts, you’ll expand your artistic skills and set your creativity free.

It’s time to take centre stage and thrive in today’s interconnected world with Queen’s as your supporting audience.

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