A Moonshot for Creativity

By Andrew Watson
In Washington, D.C., the Kennedy Center’s newly opened REACH Moonshot Studio is a one-of-a kind, drop-in space dedicated to learning through the process of artmaking. Creativity, critical thinking, curiosity, risk-taking, and imagination are essential as visitors of all ages spend time delving into various art forms, exploring stories and themes from the Center’s stages, and creating their own works of art.

The Moonshot Studio’s curriculum celebrates inquiry, process, and iteration through its hands-on, process-based activities. Open Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., each week features a different collection of transdisciplinary activities rooted in three curricular areas: President Kennedy’s Life and Legacy and Civic Engagement asks visitors to draw on themes present in JFK’s life, work and legacy; Performances and Art Forms invites visitors to explore stories and artistic craft from the Center’s stages and studios; and Design Den places visitors into the world of production and design to experiment with technical elements like sound, lighting, set, and costume design. Over the course of the first year the Moonshot Studio will continue to expand its menu of unique experiences by introducing field trip opportunities for school groups, evening adult-focused programming, and more. 

In support of this ambitious undertaking the Moonshot Studio is looking for teachers, educators, and artists with an interest in developing drop-in educational programming that integrates STEAM learning in innovative and engaging ways. Contact Rugan Lewis, Manager Moonshot Studio & Experience Design, at RLewis@Kennedy-Center.org for more details about how to get involved. 

Andrew Watson is a Collaborative member and has served in advisory roles to the National Portrait Gallery, the Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts, the National Art Education Association, Americans for the Arts, and the Congressional STEAM Caucus.