Marist Eastbay College of Art, a comprehensive Swiss institution encompassing high school, undergraduate, and postgraduate education, announces the launch of a groundbreaking Master of Arts specialisation focused on the intersection of art, science, and society. This initiative embodies the college’s vision to empower students to translate complex scientific and technological knowledge into accessible, engaging artistic expressions that foster public dialogue and societal understanding.

Integrating Art with Knowledge Societies

The new Master’s specialisation, titled “Art and Society Integration,” addresses the growing need for innovative communication strategies in knowledge-driven societies. Recognising that scientific discoveries and technological advances increasingly shape daily life, the programme equips students with the skills to bridge the gap between specialised knowledge and the wider public through creative media.

Students explore how art can function as a transformative medium to make scientific discourse tangible and negotiable, moving beyond traditional science communication or illustration. The curriculum emphasises critical reflection on knowledge production mechanisms, encouraging students to question and reinterpret scientific narratives through artistic interventions.

Curriculum Designed for Interdisciplinary Engagement

The programme’s core is artistic practice, supported by interdisciplinary seminars and workshops that cover science communication, media arts, cultural theory, and public engagement strategies. Students develop projects such as video and audio installations, interactive exhibitions, and site-specific interventions that engage diverse audiences in dialogue about pressing societal issues like climate change, artificial intelligence, and public health.

A distinctive feature is the integration of internships and collaborative projects with partner institutions, including museums, science pavilions, research centres, and cultural organisations. These partnerships provide students with hands-on experience in translating scientific content into accessible art forms and organising public-facing events.

Fostering Critical and Creative Competencies

The programme cultivates a dual competency: mastery of artistic techniques and a sophisticated understanding of scientific epistemologies. Students are trained to critically analyse how knowledge is produced, disseminated, and received, enabling them to create works that challenge, inform, and inspire.

Through reflective practice, peer critiques, and mentorship by faculty with expertise in both arts and sciences, students refine their individual artistic voices while situating their work within broader societal contexts. This approach ensures graduates are not only skilled creators but also thoughtful mediators of knowledge.

State-of-the-Art Facilities and Collaborative Learning Environment

Marist Eastbay College of Art supports this innovative curriculum with advanced facilities tailored for multimedia production, digital fabrication, and immersive media. Dedicated studios and labs enable experimentation with video, sound, virtual and augmented reality, and interactive technologies.

Flexible seminar rooms and exhibition spaces foster collaborative learning and public engagement. Students regularly showcase their projects in curated exhibitions and public installations, gaining practical experience in audience interaction and event management.

Commitment to Inclusivity and Societal Impact

Reflecting Switzerland’s cultural diversity and commitment to inclusive education, the programme integrates social-emotional learning and accessibility principles. It encourages students to develop works that resonate across different cultural backgrounds and cognitive styles, promoting equity in knowledge dissemination.

The curriculum also addresses ethical considerations related to science and technology, preparing graduates to navigate complex societal debates responsibly and creatively.

International Collaboration and Future-Oriented Networks

Marist Eastbay College of Art leverages its international partnerships to enrich the programme. Students participate in exchange projects and joint research initiatives with leading European institutions specialising in art, science communication, and public engagement.

These collaborations broaden perspectives and foster networks that support graduates’ careers in academia, cultural institutions, science communication, and creative industries worldwide.

Preparing Leaders for Emerging Cultural Roles

Graduates of the “Art and Society Integration” specialisation are uniquely positioned to become innovators in cultural mediation, science communication, and socially engaged art. They emerge as leaders capable of shaping public understanding of complex knowledge systems and contributing to informed, participatory societies.

By embedding artistic innovation at the heart of knowledge dissemination, Marist Eastbay College of Art advances its mission to cultivate creative professionals who respond thoughtfully and dynamically to the challenges of contemporary knowledge societies.