A arte e o processo criativo na formação de engenheiros: estudo centrado na UTFPR, Brasil

This research aimed to study the role of art in promoting creativity in the educational processes of engineering students at the Federal Technological University of Parana (UTFPR), as a factor of technological innovation. Developed under the constructivist paradigm, the qualitative method was used, namely the case study. The data collection source used was the semi-structured interview, and the respective scripts were developed within the scope of Serge Moscovici's Theory of Social Representations (1978). The field of study consisted of 10 students and graduates, 10 professors, coordinators and directors of Teaching and Campus of Pato Branco, the University's Rector and 4 entrepreneurs. The data treatment technique used was content analysis. Among the main conclusions, it is noteworthy that the interviewees understand that art can contribute to the improvement of the academic education of engineering students, since it provides new points of view, promotes creativity and innovation. They also defend that activities such as theater can stimulate the creative capacity of engineers in a university environment, as it allows for the promotion of communication and expression, the development of a more complete professional and favors the capacity for abstraction. Finally, they understand that art and its various aesthetic expressions are important in the academic education of engineers with regard to the creation of innovative projects, as it favors inspiration, innovation and integration into teams.