On April 12, myself and my fellow Fellows, Anna Myers and Carly Mangus, represented the CE at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF). I presented the 517*Theory project, which explores how graffiti is viewed and utilized in creative communities around Lansing. Anna and Carly presented on behalf of the CE with a poster situating the
work we do here within a larger context of education, art, and technology. Below, you’ll find each of our reflections on the day and how our work was received.
Ethan: The 517*Theory research project began in the fall of 2011 as a way of investigating how the REO Town neighborhood in Lansing was utilizing graffiti art in its process of “creative re-branding.” That is, to say, the neighborhood wanted to portray itself as artistic and creative and the biggest way they were doing that was with large graffiti murals. I presented alongside some CE-ers at last year’s UURAF and the project went dormant shortly afterwards. This year, I decided to revamp it. We went into three communities in the area (REO Town, MSU, and East Lansing) and gathered people’s opinions on illegal and legal works of graffiti in their area.
Carly: It was ridiculously fun presenting the CE to people who didn’t really know about it. Discussing creativity with other intelligent and creative people was so enthralling. I felt at home talking about the space with people and thinking and discussing on that level. We discussed creativity and education, and the benefits of having a creative center in which students can work and learn to use creative tools in professional contexts. Next year, I’m going to go back to UURAF with a research project of my own. I don’t really know what that is yet, but I know it will be amazing.
Anna: I was a little apprehensive about UURAF. Not being an extremely extroverted person, spending 2 hours presenting and talking to strangers did not sound like my ideal Friday morning. Carly and I presented on the theory and practices of the Creativity Exploratory and despite my skepticism, I had a really good time. I had the opportunity to talk to faculty and community members who were doing research related to the work going on at the CE which reaffirmed for me how important creativity is in education. Connecting with these people got me even more excited about the work we’re doing here. I will definitely be returning to UURAF in my two years left at State.