Interactive Sessions

ICM Salle 1-2

Thursday, May 22nd

May 22nd 3:30 - 3:55 pm

Transformative Pedagogies: Mobilizing Neuroscience of Creativity Research through Translanguaging and Desynchronization in Transdisciplinary Educational Contexts

Trish Osler, The Convergence Initiative, Concordia University

This presentation explores the research problem of enhancing creative processes through the lens of transdisciplinary collaboration between art and neuroscience, with a specific focus on the pedagogical implications of desynchronization. The background establishes the significance of interoceptive and exteroceptive processes in shaping creative inquiry, highlighting how affect and sensory experiences inform artistic practice, engaging episodic memory with new cognitive, affective, material and environmental stimuli. Employing a diffractive methodology, the study engaged participants from both art and neuroscience disciplines to investigate creative interventions aimed at developing metacognitive awareness through disruptive learning activations. Findings indicate that the recursive nature of the creative process benefits from intentional disruptions and variations in approach, fostering innovative pedagogies that encourage artists and scientists to both navigate and synthesize their distinct epistemologies. The implications suggest that integrating these insights into educational frameworks as well as collaborative art-science initiatives enriches the inquiry experience, raising questions germane to future neuroscience of creativity research.

May 22nd 6:00 - 6:20 pm

Dance as a Catalyst for Brain Health and Social Health Transformation

Garley Briggs, GiGi Tonye' Arts and Fitness

Garley Briggs, celebrated author of *Dance and Wellness: Using Creativity and Movement Methodology for Healthcare Solutions,* proposes a dynamic presentation that explores how dance and movement transform the brain and redefine global health paradigms. Drawing from years of experience as a dancer, health coach, wellness advocate, and global collaborator, Garley bridges the worlds of artistic creativity and scientific discovery. Her work delivers a compelling framework for addressing health disparities and fostering individual and community well-being. Garley's presentation will illuminate the neuroscience underpinning dance and movement, with a special focus on the Ann Green Gilberts acclaimed *Brain Dance* technique and Garley’s Dance and Wellness methodology. This evidence-based approach demonstrates how rhythmic movement stimulates neuroplasticity, enhances memory retention, improves executive functions, and uplifts emotional resilience. Research-backed insights show that consistent movement practices can significantly reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression, while also fostering stronger neural connections in the brain. Her innovative applications of dance include addressing challenges such as chronic stress, neurodegenerative conditions, and developmental hurdles in young learners. The presentation will also build on Garley's first-hand work in under-resourced communities—both in the United States and internationally. Her collaborations in South Africa and with marginalized populations worldwide reveal how dance programs tailored to cultural and generational needs can serve as tools for social equity and healing.

Friday, May 23

May 23rd 2:00 - 2:25 pm

Creativity in Motion

Ann Moradian, Perspectives In Motion

An experiential workshop exploring creative generation and response through guided improvisational movement exercises that highlight diverse strategies or pathways for stimulating creativity. We will explore creativity that is generated by internal sensation, spatial and qualitative exploration, visual stimulation, and kinaesthetic sensing in relation to self and to other(s). From an experiential perspective, each of these modes and combinations of modes is distinct, inspiring a different palette of possibilities. Through these exercises, we will experience both internally generated and externally generated creative processes, explore kinaesthetic and visual-kinetic modalities, as well as what movement experts refer to as ‘kinaesthetic empathy.’ In addition to exploring a variety of strategies for creativity, we will use this movement workshop to give the body and mind a break during the conference, easing out physical strain and tightness, increasing oxygen flow and basically ‘shifting gears’ for a moment, connecting with ourselves and with one another differently, so we can return to the conference refreshed and ready to take in new material. The workshop will include a warm-up, individual exploration, partner exercises, and moving together as a group. We will finish with a cool-down and a moment to reflect and discuss together.

May 23rd 2:30 - 2:55 pm

Building Effective Creative Teams for Ensemble Work

Jodi Lomask, Capacitor / Creative Journey

Collaboration is the cornerstone of groundbreaking creative work, yet the dynamics of ensemble teams remain an underexplored area in the science of creativity. This presentation examines strategies for building and maintaining highly effective creative teams, focusing on key roles, team culture, and the nuanced art of leadership in ensemble settings. Drawing on thirty years of experience in creative direction and collaboration, this talk provides actionable insights into fostering group synergy while minimizing conflict and inefficiency. A successful creative team starts with intentional invitations—selecting people who align with the project’s vision. Cultural contagion shapes group energy; one negative voice can spread, while a strong cultural anchor elevates the whole. The essential Number 2 provides calm, focused support, strengthening leadership and team cohesion. Balance managing the weakest link by placing less experienced members in growth roles rather than as equals. A wild card injects spontaneity but should not hold key responsibilities upfront. Humor, play, and momentum sustain creativity, while the power of vagueness keeps critiques flowing without stalling progress. Honesty can be thrilling—sharing complexity builds trust, fostering adaptability. Ensemble awareness demands attention but creates collective momentum. Finally, the rules of improv—Yes And drive innovation, allowing ideas to evolve before refinement. Let the creative storm lead before bringing in the critics.