Singing the Praises of Science through Songwriting and Live Arts Performance.

In the presence of some very complex ethical questions grounded in science knowledge and discovery, there is an increasing need for approaches that facilitate connections between scientists, the knowledge they generate, and the wider public. While connections can nurture science literacy in the general public, they can also humanize science and nurture interest and curiosity. Connecting in science, however, can be uniquely challenging in the absence of a shared vocabulary, particularly with adult audiences. While more opportunities are becoming available for scientists to develop broad audience communication skills and apply those techniques through traditional and alternative media sources, these learning opportunities are rare. Performing artists have a long history of effectively communicating complex subject matter in concise and engaging ways to diverse audiences. Many scientists are also performing artists (musicians, storytellers, comedians, dancers, thespians) presenting as hobbyists or in a professional manner. Such art practices are most often used to communicate complex human experiences and emotions for arts consumers. There is an opportunity, however, to utilize these forms to communicate science and build connections between science practitioners and broad adult audiences. Over the course of 100+ performances, as a scientist and touring songwriter in Canada, the United States, and internationally, I have used music as a medium to engage adult audiences in science. By combining performance principles, artistic practice, and science language in informal (non-institutional) settings, my work has facilitated meaningful discussions around complex scientific topics while fostering new interactions between scientists and the wider community. In this talk I will share personal examples, insights, and approaches to connecting to broad audiences in ways that humanize science, increase participation, and transfer knowledge through science songwriting and live arts performance.