Abstract
This editorial marks the relaunch of the STEAM Journal as the Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal, reflecting both its origins and an expanded vision for arts integration across disciplines and communities. Founded by Sara Kapadia as a space to bridge artistic and academic inquiry, the journal now extends its scope through the “+,” signaling a commitment to integrating the arts not only across STEM fields but also within social, civic, and cultural contexts. The editorial situates the arts as central to education, social critique, and community engagement, drawing on global traditions of artist-activism and interdisciplinary practice. Highlighting contributions that span pedagogy, creative research, and community-based work, this volume underscores the role of the arts in addressing complex global challenges and fostering holistic learning. Looking forward, the editorial foregrounds the urgency of arts integration in an AI-infused world, arguing that the arts cultivate uniquely human capacities such as imagination, ethical reasoning, empathy, and ambiguity tolerance. These are essential for navigating uncertain futures. The journal positions itself as a dynamic platform for exploring these intersections, inviting diverse voices to co-create new narratives and practices at the convergence of arts, sciences, and society.
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Recommended Citation
Dias, Shamini
(2026)
"STEAM+: Arts Integration and the Future,"
The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal:
Vol. 6:
Iss.
1, Article 1.
Available at:
https://scholarship.claremont.edu/steam/vol6/iss1/1
Author/Artist Bio
Shamini Dias is the Director of the Transdisciplinary Studies Program at Claremont Graduate University, and the current Editor of The Transdisciplinary STEAM+ Journal. She is a teaching artist and scholar-practitioner who is passionate about arts integration as acritical boundary crossing in addressing both innovations and complex issues humanity faces in working for flourishing futures. Shamini received her PhD in Education from Claremont Graduate University, and her MA in Literature, and BA in Linguistics and Literature from the National University of Singapore.