Author: Howard, Vernon A.

Publication Year: 1970

Media Type: Report

Summary:

Harvard Project Zero is an interdisciplinary inquiry into problems connected with education, understanding, and creativity in the arts. The Project conducts basic and applied research, an arts orientation programme, and a summer course in arts management with the Harvard Business School.

Abstract:

Harvard Project Zero is an interdisciplinary inquiry into problems connected with education, understanding, and creativity in the arts. The Project conducts basic and applied research, an arts orientation programme, and a summer course in arts management with the Harvard Business School.

The chief research activities of the project are: (1) investigation of the symbol systems peculiar to the various arts; (2) experimental analysis of the cognitive and manipulative skills constitutive of different arts and media; (3) testing and development of methods of nurturing and improving artistic abilities.

The ultimate goal is improvement in art education at all levels: children, adults, artists, audiences, and management. This implies not only researches into symbol systems, perceptual and motor skills, and problem solving in the arts but also practical criticism of the teaching methods, programmes, and presentations of institutions concerned with the arts such as schools, museums, universities and other organizations.

These aims and activities are discussed relative to some popular misconceptions about the nature of art and the psychological processes involved. Especially prejudicial is the tendency to view science as the realm of truth, facts, and understanding versus art as the realm of subjectivity and emotion. Three related studies in music are described as illustrating the sort of conceptual, psychological and curricular researches currently underway.

Arts & Intersections:

Categories: Arts Education