Using light and stories to build awareness of modern science and

traditional knowledge

Merida, 4 February 2016IYL2015 Closing Ceremony

The Story Of Foundation was established in 2014 to promote awareness and understanding of both modern science and traditional knowledge among children, youth, and the general public through innovative learning experiences.

The Story of Light 2015 was its first event developed for UN’s International Year of Light (IYL2015) in partnership with the Corporation of the City of Panjim. 62 interactive works and events in a variety of media illustrated the depth and breath of light and its connections to science, technology, nature, culture, spirituality, history, and cosmology.

The Goal: SynthesisShort-term

• Increase awareness of modern science and traditional knowledge (especially poorly understood / misunderstood concepts)

• Elucidate the philosophical implications of modern science Long-term

• Facilitate the inclusion of traditional knowledge into research and science.

• Develop projects to synthesize knowledge towards sustainable society for all beings

Version 1.0

Version 2.0

Goa• Population: ~1,457,723 (2011 census; rural ~5.5 mil, urban ~9 mil)

• Economy based on tourism, agriculture, and mining

• 87% Literacy (avg. 75%) ; Dropout rate of 28%, Std. 1 to X (avg. 36%)

• Economically-able leave to pursue higher education

• Physics department has ~4 PhD students

The Story of Light in Numbers

65 Participants, 14 Countries  Artists and Designers: 48Scientists: 5Educators: 4Performance Troupes: 4Institutional Participation: 3

62 Events

Public Installations: 35Performances: 7Workshops: 6Talks: 3Screenings: 3Children's Workshops: 8

15,000 Visitors

30-day Residency, 5-day Festival

Curation Criteria1. Concept/Intenta. Interpretation of subject (imaginative, well-conceptualized, bold and thorough)b. Message – clearly defined and resonating with festival objectivesc. Art + science / cultural story concerning light

2. Educational impacta. Audience engagement (active)b. Ability to share knowledge (communication)c. Interactivity for visitor

3. Execution abilitya. Experience of project teamb. Feasibility of executionc. Environmental considerations (e.g. use of recycled materials)

Seeing and PerceivingPANJIM RAINBOW HUT - Tsuneo SekiguchiLIGHTING THE WAY – Divya & WaylonSTIMULI – Flora & SamiraMANY COLORS : ONE WORLD - Subodh KerkarSTOP TIME WITH A STROBOSCOPE - Cristina Olivotto

Light in TechnologyTRAFFIC - Sharath Chandra RamARCHIBIO - Andrej Boleslavsky & Maria JudovaLIGHT AND STRING - Dilnaaz Mehta & Shrinivas AnanthanarayananCOSMIC FINGERPRINT - Rafaella Las and Dan ScottiSOLAR WATER DISINFECTION – Dr. Pramod PathakTHE SPECTRUM OF LIGHT – Henna KhanREACTIVE ORB - Ankit Daftery

Select ProjectsOur UniverseTHE ORIGIN OF CLOUDS - Alejandro BorsaniNEW LIGHT – Nikhil & AbrarLIGHT IN REFLECTION – Silvia & ManuelHIGH ALTITUDE SCIENCE – Margarita & SreejithOPTIKCS - Daniela de Paulis

Light and LifeA SPECTACLE – Madhulika STURNING HEADS – National Institute of Design, IndiaTO OBSERVE IS TO CHANGE - Deshna MehtaVARIEGATED - Dhwani Shah PHOTOPOESIS – Jaden & MelanieILLUMINATING THE MIND - Christine Fowle

Way Forward• Light is a powerful topic for outreach and awareness. Build on content

in different formats for different audiences.

• Co-creation and collaboration between art-design-science-technology in creation of learning experiences (transportable, DIY)

• Promote collaborations enlisting artists-in-residence and scientists-in-residence to highlight current research topics (e.g., meta-materials)

• 2017: The Story of Space | 2019: The Story of Mind

• The Story Of Open Learning Center

Jaya RamchandaniTrustee, The Story of Foundation

jaya@thestoryof.org+91 9920935285 / +86 13122208869

www.thestoryof.org