Mathematics between art, dance and classical music

Mathematics has been the invisible muse of artists and writers. Its presence can be found in the works of Dante Alighieri, Piero della Francesca, in those of Michelangelo and Caravaggio, Carlo Carrà and Giorgio De Chirico, and many other artists such as composers from every era and culture. Powerful and silent, mathematics has insinuated itself into the minds of creators and scientists and, today more than ever, with artificial intelligence it helps us cross new boundaries both in the scientific world and in our daily lives.

Mathematics continues its journey. From 4 to 11 February 2026, the third Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Week was held, promoted by the Ministry of Universities and Research (MUR) with initiatives throughout Italia to raise awareness of the study of scientific subjects and to support the role of research in education in our country.

The grand finale of these events could only speak female with data and studies, alas; irreversible. A recent American statistic underlined the urgency of such initiatives because, currently, women make up only 28% of the workforce in STEM fields in the United States and an even smaller percentage in Italia. Tackling this gap head-on is becoming a matter of urgency considering the long-term implications there will be in these crucial fields. Roberta Marcenaro Lyon as CEO of IMARK, a non-profit organisation dedicated to bridging the educational gaps between the US and Italia, through its initiatives proposes to shape the future of young women in mathematics.

At the Global Math Summit in Cagliari, Italy, ten young women from four continents, of different ages and cultural backgrounds met to explore the interaction between mathematics, history, art and philosophy, giving rise to the Fearless Girls Panel, which is gaining more and more space in Italian education. Among them were very young scholars who gave evidence of their very personal idea of mathematics and science such as Aria Chung. Twelve years old, from the United States, considered the best freeride skier in North America in her age group, a ballet dancer and student at the Proof School in San Francisco, at the suggestion of her teachers and parents, since the age of seven she has participated in mathematics lectures, which she elaborates on by applying rigorous scientific teachings to her artistic disciplines. After all, Johann Sebastian Bach had also thought of this.