How will art and culture shape the way we live in the future?
The Voices of MIT at the MIT Museum. Photo Jodi Hilton
The Culture Dynamics project at MIT advances interdisciplinary collaboration to investigate the systemic effects and value of art and culture. Integrating perspectives from the social, natural, and applied sciences, it examines human creativity across scales—from individual cognition to societal systems—and translates insights into practical frameworks and solutions for global challenges.
◼︎ RESEARCH
We bring together scholars from across MIT’s schools and departments to investigate the arts and culture as multiscale human phenomena. Our interdisciplinary research examines their impact on individual, collective, and systemic dynamics, advancing understanding and driving intellectual discovery.
◼︎ DEPLOYMENT
Through creative exploration and applied methodologies, Culture Dynamics transforms research into action. We investigate how arts and culture can address complex challenges, translating insights into innovative solutions that have the potential to reshape policies and practices.
◼︎ DISSEMINATION
We extend the impact of our research through thoughtful outreach and engagement with industry, government, and the public. By combining creative methods with collaborative dialogue, we ensure our insights are accessible and actionable across disciplines and sectors.
The arts and culture influence human systems at every scale, from individual cognition to global relations. They bridge personal experiences with societal dynamics, shaping communities and driving systemic change. At Culture Dynamics, we study these impacts to uncover patterns, develop frameworks, and provide insights that inform culture-driven, evidence-based solutions to the challenges of our time.
Picture: 1. The Voices of MIT at the MIT Museum. Photo Jodi Hilton 2. Gretchen Ertl