Performing Space - A hybrid event organized by Frank Abbott, School of Art and Design, The Nottingham Trent University :: February 22, 2008 :: Nottingham.

Speakers / Presenters: Steven Benford, Mixed Reality Lab, University of Nottingham :: David Crouch, Cultural Geographer, University of Derby :: Jonathan Hale, Architect, University of Nottingham :: Angharad Wynne-Jones, Director of Lift International Festival of Theatre :: John Newling, Artist, Nottingham Trent University :: Heath Bunting, Artist :: Active Ingredient, Artists :: Andrew Brown, Artist :: Mirjam Struppek, Researcher, Urban Screens :: Anette Schäfer, Curator, Trampoline / Radiator Festival :: The WiMAX Forest :: Open City :: Tour Of Tokyo.

Throughout the world new types of communication networks based on wireless interactive ICT technology are transforming our understanding of contemporary public and private space. They are increasingly being explored by live media artist projects through events like the Radiator Festival (Nottingham), First Play Berlin and Dis-locate (Tokyo). Within other humanities subjects like geography, architecture and social urban planning new insights into the changing nature of public space are being addressed.

The research aim of this hybrid workshop is to bring together a range of humanities researchers and artists to examine how the common ground between these disciplines can be developed through examining ICT wireless network strategies borrowed from the work of artists; and conversely how the development of research, particularly in the areas of geography and architecture, can inform the artists` research and development.

Format of the day: This workshop will adopt a hybrid form with a presentation session in the morning and discussion sessions in the afternoon.

10.00 -13.00: Performing Space-Setting the Context - This session will bring together a range of speakers and attendees from humanities and art practice to examine the context of ICT technology and contemporary space. The session will ask: ‘What is new and challenging about working with ICT networks for creative production and research?’

14.00 - 17.00: Performing Space-Interrogating the Context - In the afternoon session artists and theorists will discuss specific strategies adopted within the work of live media artists with an invited audience of researchers, geographers, urban planners, architects, artists, and cultural theorists.

Between and around these two sessions there will be an opportunity for the attendees to see documentation from related artists projects.

How to register: Please contact Susan Rhodes (susan.rhodes [at] ntu.ac.uk) or Frank Abbott (frank.abbott [at] ntu.ac.uk) to register for the workshop.