Thoughtworks Arts

How Art and Technology Predict the Future

Newsletter sent on Tuesday, 17 October 2017
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Over the summer, Director Andy McWilliams spoke at TEDxVilnius, and shared different examples of how artists are using art practice and technology as a mechanism to explore emergent futures.

Andrew McWilliams speaking on a large stage
Director Andrew McWilliams at TEDx

“Sometimes looking into the future can be scary, because by definition it is unknown. But with art and technology, we can tell real stories about what is coming, and bring these issues into the light.”

Residency Director Ellen Pearlman Awarded a Fulbright Specialist Grant

Newsletter sent on Thursday, 7 September 2017
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Congratulations to Residency Director Ellen Pearlman, who has been awarded a Fulbright Specialist Grant to Liepaja University in Liepaja, Latvia. The program pairs highly qualified U.S. academics and professionals with host institutions abroad to share their expertise, strengthen institutional linkages, hone their skills, and learn about other cultures while building capacity at their overseas host institutions.

A picture of Ellen Pearlman smiling
Ellen Pearlmen at NetGain Conference

There she will expand her groundbreaking Art-A-Hack art and technology collaborations, assist program directors at Liepaja University with international digital project proposals, run faculty training and development seminars, and lend her expertise toward the design of an M.F.A. Program in art and technology.

Implications of AI: Meet our New Resident

Newsletter sent on Friday, 28 July 2017
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We are pleased to welcome our newest resident Karen Palmer, a London-based digital filmmaker and storyteller.

Karen Palmer on a large stage
Karen Palmer speaking at TEDxSydney

During her Thoughtworks Arts Residency, Karen will be furthering development of her interactive film, RIOT. This project is an emotionally responsive live-action film with 3D sound, and uses Artificial Intelligence (AI) technology, machine learning, and facial recognition to allow users to navigate through a dangerous riot in progress.

Artificial Intelligence, Biometrics, VR and Brain Surveillance

Newsletter sent on Tuesday, 16 May 2017
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Thoughtworks Arts is currently seeking an artist/technologist wishing to work on issues surrounding the design, use and implementation of artificial intelligence (AI). AI can enhance the human experience, but can also contribute towards amplifying pre-existing social prejudices and biases, thereby restricting the free flow of individuals, communities and entire populations in untold ways.

View the open call here, and also review this article from the Directors explaining our perspective on this critical issue. Note that we have designed the call to be open-ended, so as to allow artists to surprise us with their proposals. Applications are due by June 8, 2017.

Bio-feedback in VR: Meet our next Artist-in-Residence

Newsletter sent on Wednesday, 1 March 2017
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Our latest artist-in-residence, hannes bend, has now started his stay with the Thoughtworks Arts Residency. Hannes recently created one of the first Virtual Reality programs with heart-rate biofeedback in collaboration with the Neuroscience and Quantum Physics Alemán Lab, at the University of Oregon.

Portrait of hannes bend
hannes at an opening in Miami, USA

During his residency at Thoughtworks, hannes intends to extend the range of biosensors which can be used in the VR environment, and to develop the user experience of the program towards an aim of increasing personal awareness and mindfulness.

Thoughtworks Arts: Panel, Residency and Art-A-Hack

Newsletter sent on Wednesday, 5 October 2016
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Join us for a discussion with Thoughtworks Arts Residents Heather Dewey-Hagborg and the Cyborg Foundation (Neil Harbisson and Moon Ribas). The speakers will share learnings and insights from their cutting-edge work around body and technology. Event RSVP here, refreshments and snacks provided.

Heather Dewey-Hagborg, Neil Harbisson and Moon Ribas
The panel will be on Tuesday, October 11, 2016 - 6:30 PM to 9:30 PM
@ Thoughtworks, 99 Madison Ave., 15th Floor, New York, NY (map)