Everywhere in human civilisation there are two things you’ll be guaranteed to find: art and maths. But perhaps these two things aren't as separate from one another as we might think...
This was the key concept at the JMC Sydney-hosted event ‘Circle of Fifths’, where five creative and mathematical educators explored the inter-relationship between maths, music, design, art, ideas, and culture. Thoughtful discussion and a sharing of expertise revealed how mathematical and creative skills are equally vital to the sustained development of a wide range of industries and how the two disciplines cross over almost every industry to serve as the invisible drivers for success.
The event was inspired by the largest international conference on mathematics education in the world ICME-15, the International Congress of Mathematics Educators, which for the first time this July was held in Sydney. The five-star panel (pun intended) was moderated by JMC’s own Dr George Catsi and featured a stellar lineup including
- Renowned YouTube influencer Eddie Woo,
- JMC’s National Head of Design Dr Melissa Silk,
- UTS Associate Professor Mary Coupland,
- Founder of Maths Teacher Circles Michaela Epstein and
- Composer, conductor, musician and JMC’s 2IC for Music, Shannon Brown.
With mentions of Fibonacci, magic triads, Pythagoras, design principles and everything in-between, the group explored the connections between maths, music, and making. They pondered how to promote the fact that maths is a creative process and drew on lived experiences form industry and classroom to advocate for the continued exploration of creative frontiers through the considered application of mathematical theory. 
Showcasing the interconnectivity of mathematics and creative practice is something we have known and celebrated for over 40 years of JMC’s history. To highlight this relationship in a panel to mathematicians and maths educators from across the globe is a valuable move forward in showcasing the high value of both maths and creative professionals across all industries. Like maths, creativity doesn't exist in silos, but is an in demand “skill” that transcends almost every industry and academic area to drive both the development of new ideas and also business goals. Who knew mathematicians and creatives had so much in common!
‘Circle of Fifths’ was a resounding success, attracting over one-hundred attendees to JMC Sydney’s auditorium to share in a night of combined disciplines and shared wonderment. Thank you to each of our panel members for their keen insight and to the JMC personnel who brought the event together.
You can watch a replay of ‘Circle of Fifths’ via JMC’s Youtube channel.
