17 Japan Media Arts Festival :: February 2014

Call for works :: Deadline 12 September 2013
The Japan Media Arts Festival honours outstanding Media Arts work including interactive art, video, websites, games, animation and comics. The Festival is open to international artists, with a Grand Prize of 600,000 Yen in each of four categories – Art, Entertainment, Animation and Manga and a touring exhibition of winning works.
http://j-mediaarts.jp/?locale=en

Toward a Science of Consciousness 2014

April 21-26, 2014, Tucson, Arizona
Speakers will include: Ned Block, David Chalmers, Karl Deisseroth, Daniel Dennett, David
Eagleman, Rebecca Goldstein, Stuart Hameroff, Christof Koch, Henry Markram, John Searle, Petra Stoerig, Giulio Tononi and many more.
Toward a Science of Consciousness is an interdisciplinary conference known for rigorous and leading edge approaches to all aspects of the study of conscious experience. These aspects include neuroscience, psychology, philosophy, cognitive science, artificial intelligence, molecular biology, medicine, quantum physics, and cosmology as well as art, technology, and experiential and contemplative approaches. The conference is the largest and longest-running interdisciplinary gathering probing fundamental questions related to conscious experience. An estimated 700 participants from over 60 countries are due to take part. As in previous conferences, program sessions will include plenary and keynote talks, concurrent talks, posters, art/science demos and exhibits, pre-conference workshops, side trips, and social events in the Tucson tradition.
http://www.consciousness.arizona.edu/
Due: Dec 10 2013

The Science Fiction Research Group @ Deakin University Presents:

he Inauguration of the SF Seminar series

Thursday 22nd of August, 4—6pm

Phoenix Gallery, Deakin University Burwood

Dr. Paul Thomas (Associate Professor at COFA) will be presenting his research into nanotechnology through his artworks Midas and Nanoessence. The focus will be on nanotechnology and the exploration of materiality and immateriality in the expanding area of art and science practice. Nanotechnologies have created new ways of thinking about materials and processes that construct different social realities. The presentation draws on contemporary science and art practice to confront traditional understandings of materiality, exploring key issues that define possible shifts in our conscious understanding of matter. The talk will explore his current research into Richard Feynman’s famous diagrams, parallel universes and quantum theories.

Tracy Sarroff will be presenting a talk about science fiction in relationship to her visual arts practice. Ecology and concerns about art and science underlie the majority of her projects. What prevails is an interest in the relationship between ecology and science and the creative boundaries of what is both imaginary and real. Frequently using ideas that are allied to science fiction and science fact, Sarroff’s work manifests an ambiguity in relation to natural and artificial engagement. Transgenics, biotechnology, microscopy, and science fiction have been some major themes fuelling her explorations to date. Often these themes relate to contemporary society and movements in scientific research. During her presentation, these topics will be discussed and analysed in relation to creative practice and the zeitgeist.

Deakin SF Inaugural Seminar series talk.pdf