The #Art4Impact Summer of Science Event Series aims to strengthen the connections between art and design and science and technology within our community. The July 20 event marked a momentous milestone of man’s first steps on the Moon, the August TechFire (in less than two weeks!) combines art and technology which challenge our perceptions of the world around us, and September’s Big Bang Science Fair celebrates the intersections between science and the arts igniting wonder in visitors of all ages.
July 20, was the first of the Summer of Science events, where we celebrated the 50th-anniversary of the Apollo 11 Mission and man’s first steps on the Moon (to the very day, July 20, 1969!). The celebration grew to encompass not just a full lighting of WaterFire but a collective of events around the whole state throughout the entire month of July. From the installation of the “Museum of the Moon” at the WaterFire Arts Center (WFAC) and astronomy-inspired interactive displays at Brown University to a lunar exploration exhibit at the Museum of Natural History and Planetarium in Roger Williams Park and the Conimicut Moon Landing Parade. The July 20 WaterFire moon-inspired lighting and other events were sponsored in part by the NASA RI Space Consortium with support from Brown University.
August 17, TechFire, is a showcase of innovation and tech job fair at WaterFire. The goal of this Summer of Science event is to bring to light Rhode Island’s focus on expediting the future of startups and accelerating the future of transportation. Thank you to our sponsors Virgin Pulse, Tufts Health Plan, and Bryant University for coming together to support TechFire. With the help of our sponsors, WaterFire Providence hopes to showcase some of Rhode Island’s innovative and fast-growing tech companies by promoting networking and collaboration among technology industry employees, while highlighting some of the newest products being pioneered in Rhode Island. Virgin Pulse’s mission is to create collaborative technology that engages employees with better work habits and keeps the office seamlessly connected. “By sponsoring Tech Night at WaterFire, Virgin Pulse is both supporting one of the state’s most cherished public arts organizations and also helping to shine a spotlight on the growing and dynamic technology sector of the Rhode Island economy,” said David Osborne, CEO of Virgin Pulse. “This event sits at the intersection of community, economic development, and technology – which aligns perfectly with Virgin Pulse’s new role as a major high-tech employer in downtown Providence.” Tufts Health Plan’s mission is to improve the health and well-being of its people’s lives through affordable healthcare and they are committed to the successful fulfillment of this mission through thoughtful and innovative implementation of technology.
September 28, the Big Bang Science Fair presented by Brown University Physics Department. WaterFire Providence is proud to announce its hosting of the Second Annual Big Bang Science Fair. We are excited to be supporting the crossover between the arts and academia with the support of the Big Bang organization and community. Big Bang gives young academics a chance to strengthen their skills and confidence through project-based work, allowing them to explore the world of science, technology, engineering, and math through hands-on experience in a real-world platform. For one night in Providence, scientists team up with musicians, artists, programmers, and chefs to explore and encourage the world of science. Come join us for a night that Juliana Cherston describes as, “Making Music from Real-Time Scientific Data”. (Also happening on this night, Celebrating Educational Excellence as part of the #Art4Impact Community Heroes Event Series)
About the author
Hey there,
My name is Maria and I am a Creative Services Intern at WaterFire. I recently graduated from the Community College of Rhode Island, with an Associates in General Studies and Fine Arts. I am currently enrolled in Rhode Island College, working on my BA in Communications with a concentration in PR and Advertising. I am a rock climber, blogger, and freelance graphic designer, excited for the future!
