Mathematician Laureates are identified by their use of mathematics as an art. More subtly, they are not judged by whether or not they are producing “mathematical art,” but instead by their use of mathematics in creating communities and spreading civic-mindedness.

The Culture of the Mathematician Laureates

Laureates work with groups to listen, learn, and to create. They do it repeatedly – together with others.

Mathematician laureates are rooted in principles of accessibility, inclusion, self-determination, collaboration, sustainability, and life-long learning. In all of their work, they explore the stories behind the community experience, and they believe in the power of mathematics to express what’s most important. Mathematician laureates value community conversations and hands-on creation, and the deep understanding that can come from the combination of the two.

Mathematician laureates get their hands dirty. They work with reclaimed and recycled materials and tackle large-scale projects to show what’s possible when a group of creative and dedicated people set out to make or do something wonderful. They help groups figure out what they need, and then help them develop the skills and knowledge to get what they need.

They work with others to tap into our intellectual and creative spirits. They teach in public schools or around a table, in gardens, on the streets, in parks, on bridges, and even inside caves. Mathematician Laureates are constantly making the connections between understanding new ideas and hands-on making. And every time they teach, they learn something new that adds to the story. Mathematician laureates support the ongoing development of a community of creative people who have this experience and activate it across issues and disciplines.

They come to know that this learning is what brings us all together as an ever-expanding community and that it is this way of learning and creating together that helps us make things better in our neighborhoods, cities, regions, and throughout the world.