OFF BOOK Offers Tisch Faculty a Window into Each Other's Work

What stayed with me most was the sense of community—being part of conversations that were supportive, curious, and inspiring reminded me why I love being in this university. 
–OFF BOOK 2025 participant

On August 24th, the inaugural OFF BOOK event welcomed 35 Tisch faculty and staff for a one-day collaborative conference celebrating the collective expertise of Tisch faculty while creating pathways for innovative teaching strategies, research partnerships, and artistic explorations to emerge. Produced by Tisch Creative Research and envisioned by Eric Zimmerman with input from the Tisch Faculty Research Working Group, OFF BOOK 2025 featured eight dynamic sessions covering a range of topics from AI in game design to classical dance pedagogy, from voice and dialect techniques to music coding and innovative interdisciplinary publication.

OFF BOOK created a dedicated space for knowledge exchange, highlighting the diverse research approaches and teaching methodologies that drive our academic community.

At OFF BOOK, not only did I learn about a variety of interesting subjects taught at NYU Tisch, I got to peek behind the curtain and learn best practices on HOW to teach from some incredibly engaging and accomplished colleagues.
–OFF BOOK 2025 participant

By sharing scholarly and creative approaches, we strengthen our academic community and enhance the intellectual ecology of Tisch.

Collaborating with Tisch faculty I didn't know from different departments was not only fun but rewarding. I also appreciated the "low-stakes" feel, that it was an opportunity to just share info with each other and get a window into each other's work. -OFF BOOK 2025 participant

Through faculty-led presentations, hands-on workshops, and guided discussions, participants gained insight into the pedagogical practices, research frameworks, and creative processes that distinguish Tisch departments, fostering opportunities for interdisciplinary collaboration and intellectual cross-pollination.

I had been deep in development mode earlier in the summer; it was motivating and energizing to have the opportunity to share my work-in-progress with colleagues from other departments, and receive their comments and suggestions. –OFF BOOK 2025 participant

Beyond the presentations and workshops, OFF BOOK fostered the kind of informal connections that strengthen our academic community. The day concluded with an "Open Problems" session and reception, where conversations continued and new collaborative possibilities emerged.

I really appreciated the willingness of attendees to share resources IMMEDIATELY after hearing about my question in the OPEN PROBLEMS section. –OFF BOOK 2025 participant

Participating in this event gave me the chance to slow down and really connect with colleagues in a relaxed, informal setting. I loved hearing about the creative and innovative work others are doing, and it was energizing to share my own passions without judgment or pressure.  
–OFF BOOK 2025 participant

Tisch Creative Research looks forward to hosting OFF BOOK 2026. If you have questions about OFF BOOK or are interested in participating in next year’s event please reach out to us at Tisch.Research@nyu.edu