WHO WE ARE

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Artists and scientists alike are focused on exploring the world and trying to understand the universe through introspection, examination and experimentation. Multiple perspectives and methodologies foster rich dialogue, expand the boundaries of knowledge, strengthen community connections and improve social conditions.

 

Tackling the intractable challenges of our complex societies requires a language of cross-disciplinary interconnectedness. Such conversations require novel platforms capable of sparking the collision of ideas across disciplines and sectors. Relational Space is a space of comprehensive accessibility. 

 

Cross-pollination quickens creativity and innovation. Relational Space's model brings diverse scientists and artists together to collaborate around powerful data-driven narratives to co-create immersive installations. Immersive events are able to engage both sides of our brains, move us beyond politics, and reach deep into our hearts, to ignite emotions and motivate us to engage with the world.

 

Relational Space facilitates collaborative sessions between artists and scientists to co-create immersive evidence-based Art: Immersive installations presented in relation to empirically supported narratives that promote transformational momentum. We are especially focused on issues that promote truth, collaboration and provide community education and growth.

 

Relational Space offers a platform for communication and collaboration among artists, scientists, policymakers and the community at large. We build immersive events derived from crosscutting knowledge exchange to bridge partisan divides, inspire new insights, engage the community with compelling artistic expression and promote transformative learning and social change.

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Relational Space is a non-profit organization providing space for artistic expression, the dissemination of scholarly knowledge, and community engagement. We address intractable social issues in order to promote transformational learning and a brighter future. We accomplish our mission by engaging visitors in compelling worlds able to mobilize imagination and increase individual and cultural agency.

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VISION

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To build a more just and sustainable world inspired through art and informed by truth.

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MISSION

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Relational Space provides a collaborative space for blending knowledge amongst artists, scientists, policy makers and community activists to co-curate contemporary Art + Science exhibitions and scholarly forums. These experiences enable us to see byeond partisan divides, explore intractable social issues and consider emergent political, scientific and social themes. Collaborations are crosscutting, non-hierarchical and self-organizing, based on evidence-based narratives that promote the social good.

 

Relational Space accomplishes its mission in six ways: 

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​1.    Art exhibitions and forums – Relational Space provides a collaborative space for the co-curation of immersive experiences featuring both contemporary art and scholarly forums. Exhibitions connect various media, disciplines, cultures and contexts within immersive environments. Immersive environments that are collaborative and participatory introduce new perspectives able to challenge traditional thinking and transcend partisan points of view, thereby providing innovative methodologies for artistic expression and dissemination of knowledge related to intractable social issues. Topics are chosen for their capacity to promote collective well-being and to bring all voices to the table for knowledge sharing and collaboration.

 

2.    Education – Relational Space provides (in-person and virtual) cultural and educational opportunities through the exploration of themes to enrich the community and champion truth. The organization brings together  individuals from multiple disciplines and mediums to address critical issues impacting local community and broader society. Relational Space aims to promote dialogue, imaginative thinking and innovative expression while seeking to uplift society. Education includes, but is not limited to:

a.    Workshops 

b.    Multi-media publications

c.    Mentoring and internships

d.    Cross-cutting curations

 

3.    Collaboration – Relational Space offers the community at large free access to richly immersive exhibitions bringing together interesting scientific findings and compelling artistic expression. Cross-sector, multi-disciplinary and grassroots collaborations cultivate communication that is mutually beneficial and facilitates community problem solving and innovative solutions.

 

4.    Capacity building – Relational Space builds the capacity of individuals, communities and cross-sector organizations, empowering confident and competent voices to tackle issues that impact their own communities through co-curated exhibitions, workshops, forums and multi-media resources. Boundary spanning events promotes innovation and sustainable social improvement.

 

5.    Civic engagement – Relational Space engages the community with artistic expression and scientific knowledge through co-curated immersive exhibitions. We address issues of public concern to promote quality of life for all.

 

6.    Sustainability – Relational Space measures program outcomes to quantify methodologies and identify mission successes. Metrics are used to tailor strategic planning, demonstrate community impact and ensure feedback loops that lead to sustainable goals. 

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VALUES

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Relational Space understands the complex and important role of art and science in free expression and the pursuit of truth. We affirm as a priority dialogue and debate. Our core values drive our constant pursuit of organizational excellence:

 

Communication – We communicate in a positive, honest and productive manner within the organization, with our partners and with the public.

 

Gratitude – Relational Space infuses a culture of gratitude throughout our organization and to all who might contribute to our success.

 

Innovation – We are committed to working with crosscutting partners and creating bridges with the community to facilitate new opportunities for artistic expression, knowledge creation and knowledge exchange.

 

Integrity – Relational Space adheres to the highest standards of ethics, stewardship and public trust, internally and externally.

 

Personal Responsibility – Relational Space assumes personal responsibility for organizational effectiveness and initiatives to achieve our mission, with metrics for accountability.

 

Respect – The organization will demonstrate the highest regard for others, the art entrusted to us and the free exchange of evidence-based information, ideas and opinions.

 

Teamwork – We promote high performance through cooperative efforts, open communication, collective action and trust, celebrating the contributions made from all levels and partners of the organization.

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BOARD OF DIRECTORS

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Leigh W. Jerome, Ph.D. (Founder, Executive Director) 

Jane Buzek Breckwoldt, MFA, ABD 

William E. Newnam, M.A.  

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