MathArt Competition Project
Since 2018, a free MathArt competition project for schools across South Africa was offered by the GMMDC.
The national MathArt competition in schools aims to promote STEAM education in the era of 4IR. Learners from grade 7 to 12 were challenged to look for the mathematics in the world around them and bring it to life through an artwork. They have to represent it in a two dimensional artwork which they had to photograph and submit digitally online. As part of their submission each participant had to answer questions to explain the link between their artwork, mathematics and the annual theme. In the answers to the questions the participants must describe the mathematical concepts that they used and how their artwork links to the annual theme. Attractive competition prizes were offered to participating learners and an award function was held each year. Winning MathArt entries were also be displayed at local public art galleries and at an international Math & Art conference each year. Annually GMMDC staff presented a MathArt workshop series for teachers to promote the MathArt project in schools.
The MathArt school project of the GMMDC currently enjoys strong support from provincial and national education stakeholders in South Africa. Active international support and project links with key STEAM education organizations are also in place. The focus of the MathArt competition in schools is on promoting creative thinking and original expression of links between Mathematics and Art. This approach to promote STEAM education in South African schools has showed great potential to be a valuable engagement project to support modern trans-disciplinary thinking and problem-solving. For more information annual MathArt competition please visit the GMMDC’s project website (www.mathart.co.za) or follow the project marketing video whose link is given below:
Follow video link: MathArt Competition Promotion Video