Cultural sector in the spotlight at special one-day event


People from around the world are coming to Leicester for a one-day event to explore how creative technologies can transform public spaces.

INSET flown

The event, on November 17, is aimed at artists, practitioners, funders, policy makers, curators and businesses interested in the impacts of creative technologies and will be an exchange of ideas focusing on the UK and China. The outcome of the day will be a white paper which will set out the latest trends and key issues in the cultural sector.

Tracy Harwood, Reader in Digital Marketing and Consumer Culture at DMU’s Institute of Creative Technologies, said: “This will be an interesting day of open discussion from many different stakeholder perspectives, which is intended to provide new impetus for thinking about creative technologies in public spaces.

"Leicester is already at the forefront of this activity, and our event builds on the many initiatives in the cultural sector including those by local creative organizations such as Creative Manifesto, Phoenix and Interact Labs, with whom the Institute has strong connections.”

Keynote speakers are artists Anthony Rowe and Esther Rolinson. Anthony is an artist, designer, teacher and researcher who founded Squidsoup, an international collective who have been behind some incredible art installations around the world. Their work has been displayed at festivals, galleries and events, bringing digital immersive experiences to new audiences.

Esther has just won the Lumen Prize for 3D and Sculpture for Flown (pictured above), a stunning hand-folded structure of more than 800 pieces which interacts with visitors by responding to atmospheric change. The Victoria and Albert Museum has just bought some of her work for its digital art collection. Esther makes sculptural installations, independent and site-specific public art works and two-dimensional works.

The fusion of academics, arts, science and technologies is helping to create must-see exhibits which reimagine public space by pushing the boundaries of visitor experience. The event will feature keynote speakers, panellists and workshops exploring how creative technologies are used in the public realm.

The free conference at Leicester’s Phoenix Cinema is a collaboration between DMU’s Institute of Creative Technologies (IOCT) and the University of Science and Technology, Beijing. It is supported by #DMUlocal, which supports citywide projects championing the skills of students and staff.   

The IOCT is a research centre which focuses on the practice, theory and history of creative technologies that push cultural boundaries. IOCT research draws on three areas of creative computing, interactive arts/media, and networks/collaboration. To reserve your place click here

Posted on Wednesday 26 October 2016

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