Reinforcing connections between creative disciplines
This new initiative, housed in the College of Arts & Sciences, seeks to reinforce connections between creative disciplines such as Art, Music, Theatre, and Writing with fields of study in the social and natural sciences, health, law, business, athletics, and more.
Such connections already exist. But we are making an active effort to make these connections visible via special events and branding so that more people at FGCU and in the wider community can better see how an art project might make a huge difference in environmental sustainability. Or the way a theatre production can reflect both historical and ethical concerns surrounding public health. The possibilities are endless.
Artist and ocean explorer, Rebecca Rutstein said, "I think it's incredibly important for people to get out of their individual silos and sit at the table together. This is the only way forward if we are to solve the greatest global challenges of our time, like our climate crisis. Artists can play a critical role in communicating with and moving the general public by creating the expressive and emotional drivers that scientific data lacks."
Have an idea? Tell us by filling out the brief form below. We invite faculty, staff, and students to submit proposals for cross-departmental or interdisciplinary events that reflect a spirit of collaboration here at FGCU. All submissions will be reviewed by our planning group, and we will follow up within 2-3 weeks to explore next steps or potential partnership opportunities. Thank you for your time and support. We look forward to collaborating with you!
Share Your Interdisciplinary Idea!
Have you collaborated with us in the past? Do you have a student who participated in your Creative Connections event that you'd like to highlight? We'd love to hear your story and share it with others. Please complete the form using the link below and we will feature your past event on our webpage!
Event Review & Student Spotlight
Upcoming Events:
April Creative Connections Monthly Meeting
All Faculty & Staff Welcome!
Tuesday, April 28, 2026
3-4pm
SH402
The History of the United States
Volume 1 (1774-1809)
The FGCU Art Galleries is seeking to partner with faculty members around our Fall 2026 exhibition in the Wasmer Art Gallery, The History of the United States, Vol. I & II, 1774 – 1844. The exhibition opens August 28, 5-7pm and will run through September 24, 2026.
This exhibition features two portfolios of prints with each year, from 1774 to 1844, represented by a different artist’s depiction of a significant event that happened that year. The pieces will be framed and hung chronologically around the gallery. These were a gift the to the FGCU Permanent Collection and this will be the first time they will be displayed to the public.
Images of the exhibition can be found at the following link: History of the United States Vol 1 (774-1809)
We are looking for faculty members who may be interested in the following:
Participate in the opening with a talk or presentation in the Wasmer Art Gallery from 5-5:45pm on August 27, 2026
Conduct a public talk during the run of the exhibition.
Conduct a class in the gallery using the exhibition prints.
Bring a class to the gallery to visit and have a tour.
If you are interested in any of these opportunities, have questions or would like to propose something else, please click the link below to indicate your interest. Someone will reach out with more information soon.
2025-2026 Calendar of Events
Cultivating Creative Connections at FGCU
Connecting Faculty, Staff, and Students Through Shared Creativity and Interdisciplinary Exploration.
Aquila is an interdisciplinary student-centered journal showcasing scholarship from all colleges and disciplines. Published by the University Library, Aquila devotes each issue to undergraduate and graduate scholarship from the humanities, STEM, social sciences, music and theatre, business and entrepreneurship, and health professions. The journal publishes literature reviews, original research, case studies, creative works, and projects affiliated with the Gulf Scholars program. Students can use their published articles as artifacts for either the Written Communication or Critical Thinking Transferrable Skills badges. Visit AQUILA: The FGCU Student Research Journal to learn more!
Mangrove Review
Mangrove Review is FGCU’s vibrant, student‑run literary journal that celebrates the creative voices of our campus and community. Featuring original poetry, fiction, creative nonfiction, drama, and visual art, the journal offers writers and artists a welcoming space to share their work and connect with others who value storytelling and expression. With rolling submissions and an annual spring publication, Mangrove Review invites students, alumni, faculty, staff, and local creators to contribute to a rich, diverse collection of art and literature that reflects the spirit and imagination of Southwest Florida. It’s a wonderful opportunity to get involved, be inspired, and help shape a publication that champions creativity in all its forms. Find out more: Mangrove Review
Connecting Ideas Across Communities
Engage with interdisciplinary events off campus and return with insights that enrich our shared work.
Dear Creative Gulf Network:
We invite you to apply to be part of something special – the inaugural Crosscurrents
Incubator!
This November, the Crosscurrents Incubator will convene a small, dynamic group of
artists, designers, educators, scientists, scholars, cultural leaders, policy makers,
and community partners at Atelier de la Nature (Arnaudville, Louisiana) for an immersive,
four-day experience (November 10–13, 2026).
Sponsored by the Gulf Research Program of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering,
and Medicine, in collaboration with Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences
and Atelier de la Nature, this incubator is designed to move beyond conversation—toward
action.
Together, participants will explore how creative, scientific, and community-based
knowledge can intersect to address urgent environmental, health, and social challenges
across the Gulf region. Rooted in the Gulf’s cultural richness and ecological complexity,
this will be a space to think boldly, connect deeply, and build new pathways forward.
This is not a traditional conference. It is a working environment—intimate, collaborative,
and generative—where participants will:
Form new cross-disciplinary partnerships
Test and develop bold, early-stage ideas
Shape practical approaches to research, engagement, and education
Following the convening, participants will be invited to submit proposals for seed
funding to advance collaborations emerging from the incubator. Up to three grants
will be awarded, totaling $45,000.
Participation is limited and by application only. We are intentionally curating a
cohort that brings together diverse perspectives and a shared openness to collaboration.
________________________________________
Application Timeline
Application opens: March 23, 2026
Deadline to apply: May 1, 2026 (5:00 PM ET)
Notification of acceptance: June 1–5, 2026
Crosscurrents Incubator event: Nov 10-13, 2026 (Atelier de la Nature, LA)
________________________________________
Eligibility
Applicants should reside in one of the five Gulf States (Alabama, Florida, Louisiana,
Mississippi, or Texas) or demonstrate a strong connection to the Gulf through their
work or lived experience.
All travel and conference-related expenses for selected participants will be covered
by the National Academies (according to Academies travel policies).
________________________________________
If you are interested in imagining—and building—more sustainable futures for the Gulf,
we encourage you to apply and to share this opportunity with others in your network.
Creative Gulf Network Application
Please email JD Talasek with questions: jtalasek@nas.edu
We hope you will consider joining us for what promises to be a unique and inspiring
experience.
Warm regards,
J.D. Talasek
Director, Cultural Programs of the National Academy of Sciences
Art Advisor, Issues in Science and Technology
Editor-in-Chief, Leonardo Journal (MIT Press)
