At one time the Arts and Science were considered of equal importance to the wellbeing of the nation. When the Royal Society was established, no distinction was made between the two. In the UK today, however, when it comes to policy, funding and priority, the distance between the Arts and Science is arguably increasing.

This gap was addressed at a dinner debate hosted by The Culture Capital Exchange. The event was a much needed opportunity for high profile artists, academics and cultural leaders to provide insight and come together in a lively, inspiring and focused debate surrounding STEM vs STEAM.  Some of the key issues raised included an integrated agenda, the relationship between Arts and Humanities research, industry and government, knowledge exchange between Arts and Humanities and other sectors, and whether the Arts and Humanities have the evidence, methodologies, arguments and articulated impacts required to be heard.

Contributors/Speakers: Katherine Bond, King’s Cultural Institute, King’s College London; Maria Delgado, Royal Central School of Speech and Drama; Linda Drew, Ravensbourne; Jeremy Strong, University of West London; Dr Daniel Glaser, Science Gallery London; Professor Morag Shiach, Queen Mary College, University of London; Professor Gavin Henderson CBE, Principal of Royal Central School of Speech and Drama; Professor Mark Miodownik, Professor of Materials and Society, University College London; Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director of the Crafts Council; Professor Jonathan Grant, Director of King’s Policy Institute, King’s College London

Attendees: Suzie Leighton – The Culture Capital Exchange; Nick Catliff – Lion Television; Siobhan Davies – Siobhan Davies Dance; Joyce Wilson – Arts Council England; Jane Austin – The Telegraph; Professor Anthony Woodman – University of West London; Evelyn Wilson – The Culture Capital Exchange; Anne-Marie Rafferty – King’s College London; Tristram Carfrae – Arup; Shahidha Bari – Queen Mary, University of London; Professor Steve Legg – University of Surrey; Ruth Catlow – Furtherfield; Dr David Berman – Queen Mary College, University of London; Nicola Clayton – University of Cambridge; Ian Hunter – Materials Council; Jodie Eastwood – Knowledge Quarter, British Library; Sorrel Hershberg – The Sorrell Foundation; Clive Wilson – Independant Artist/Writer; Ghislaine Boddington – body>data>space; Professor Katie Normington – Royal Holloway, University of London; David Cahill Roots – Wellcome Trust; Professor Gail Cardew – The Royal Institution; Kathryn Corrick – Producer, strategist and presenter; Prof Carole-Anne Upton – Middlesex University; Dr Ben Todd – Arcola Energy; Lucy Kimbell – Arts and Humanities Research Council research fellow; Sam Adlen – Satellite Applications Catapult; Sara Jones – City University London; Pete Mitchell – University of Sussex; Neha Matkar- The Culture Capital Exchange; Simon Ings – New Scientist; Kasia Molga – Independant media artist; Jon Kingsbury – Nesta and Ravensbourne; Irini Papadimitriou – V&A; Althea Efunshile – Arts Council England; Dr Philip Broadhead – University of the Arts London; Gary McKeone – St George’s House; John Mathers – Design Council