Experimenta partnership gathers art, science and tech in Armidale
UNE SMART Region Incubator was proud to partner with New England Regional Art Museum (NERAM) to bring the touring exhibition ‘Experimenta Life Forms’ to Armidale.
Experimenta presents work that brings together art, science and technology. The organisation commissions some of the world’s most adventurous contemporary artists, and presents major touring exhibitions that encourage partnerships with others innovating in the junction of art, science and technology.
“We were glad to partner with NERAM on this project by contributing to an engaging and educational public program alongside the exhibition,” Dr Lou Conway, UNE SRI Director.
“It was a great opportunity to tap into the pool of talented individuals and businesses in our region who are innovating, utilising science and technology to creatively explore opportunities.”
‘Experimenta Life Forms’ reveals how contemporary artists are exploring notions of life, including utilising robotics, bio-art, screen-based works, installations, participatory and generative art.
The exhibition in Armidale launched with a panel event. Experimenta alumni artist and researcher Professor Anna Marie Munster, University of New England researcher Aaron Driver, and UNE SRI founder Danielle Morton, Zondii led discussions around the creative opportunities and social implications of artificial intelligence.
“The event asked how can and should two different intelligences meet. It explored current uses and limitations of AI in the arts and sciences, and considered opportunities and challenges on the horizon,” said Dr Conway.
“Both opportunities and challenges (for research, education, agriculture and industry) were identified by Aaron Driver and Danielle Morton as they shared their expertise and experience – insight that engaged the audience in energetic discussion!”
UNE SRI also invited a UNE SRI founder to be guest speaker at ‘EXPERIMENTA: UNE Sci-Flicks at the Belgrave Cinema’, a collaboration between Belgrave Cinema and UNE.
Alongside a screening of the film 'Everything Everywhere All At Once’, Joseph Couch spoke on behalf of his Othelia co-founder Kate Armstrong-Smith – sharing the Othelia story and his perspectives on AI and storytelling.
“From its Armidale base, Othelia is making (AI generated) impact across the world, in particular in Hollywood,” Dr Conway said.
“We were excited to then also be able to showcase the work of some of the young people in our region taking first steps towards a career in the digital creative industries!”
The ‘EXPERIMENTA: Creative Digital Media Club Showcase’ shared some of the creative outputs of the Creative Digital Media Club (CDMC), and included a presentation by Tamworth animator and digital artist Daniel Elliott, one of the CDMC workshop leaders.
“This was also the first chance for community members to test the Virtual Reality game created by CDMC participants during the 6-month pilot program!”
CDMC was a flagship project for the UNE SRI's Creative and CultureTech Futures Series program, and generated outputs for the Scorched project. It brought together a group of aspiring creatives focused on the digital creative industries. The goal is to create a thriving community of digital creatives and kickstart this industry in the New England area.
Scorched was proudly funded by NSW and Commonwealth Government through a BCRRF grant and delivered by the UNE SMART Region Incubator.
