New summit explores interaction of art and tech

Whether it’s featuring gaming in theatre, or encouraging audiences to interact with performers via GPS, contemporary artists are increasingly blurring the boundaries between artistic genres, using new technology to experiment.

A new summit at The Banff Centre will explore this shift in the modern cultural landscape, looking at how art forms are being reinvented.

The first edition of Convergence: an International Summit on Interdisciplinary Arts and Technology takes place from 27-30 November at the Canadian culture hub.

Project manager Kirstie McCallum told IAM: ‘Convergence acts as a jumping off point for looking at the ways that different art forms flow into one another, especially in the context of emerging, technology-driven arts practices. We are exploring how art forms and new techniques become deeply intertwined and generate something new and exciting in the process.’

The Banff Centre is currently looking for artists and creatives to present at the summit under a number of formats, including roundtable discussions and artist talks and presentations.

‘It is important that we explore these topics in dialogue with a global arts community,’ said McCallum. ‘We are inviting professional artists from all regions to participate. We are looking for a high calibre of participant, with an established professional track record in interdisciplinary arts and technological innovation.’

Proposals will be selected by a committee made up of Banff Centre staff and established artists from a number of disciplines. ‘They are looking for artist talks and presentations that confidently blend artistic excellence and serious technological skill,’ said McCallum.

The deadline for proposals is 21 March; information is available here.

You can read our full interview with McCallum in the next edition of International Arts Manager.