Event: Annual Conference of the Japanese Association of Art Education (JAAEd)
Location: Okayama, Japan (virtual participation)
Title of Keynote: Worlding Higher Education Differently: Co-creating a Technology–Art–Science Commons

We were proud to have Dr. Anita Sinner, a member of our research team, deliver a keynote presentation at the annual conference of the Japanese Association of Art Education (JAAEd), hosted in Okayama. Speaking virtually, Anita introduced the framework of Worlding Higher Education Differently, with a focus on building a collaborative Technology–Art–Science Commons.

Her presentation explored the project’s tripartite ecosystem, which brings together:

• Transnational efforts (local, national, and international)

• Transdisciplinary collaboration (across technology, art, and science)

• Transmedia engagement (through digital platforms)

Through this innovative structure, our team is co-creating activations among researchers and practitioners across Colombia, Egypt, and Canada, addressing the intersections of visual arts, science, and technology in higher education.

Anita emphasised our focus on ‘glocal’ pedagogical activations—connecting global insights with local relevance. Central to the project are a set of impact literacies that prepare students for the challenges of the 21st century, including:

• Transnational collaboration

• Team-based problem solving

• Adaptability and responsiveness

• Innovation and critical thinking

By embedding these literacies into the design of our research activities, we aim to offer students leadership experiences and collaborative opportunities that extend beyond conventional academic models.