ANAT: Scientific Serendipity

I N T R O D U C T I O N

In 1998, ANAT initiated Scientific Serendipity, a program which focussed on the interaction between art and science, providing a framework for the development of projects and commissions which directly engage with science, scientific visualisation techniques and technologies. This project initiated a number of residencies/research projects for Australian artists hosted by Australian and international scientific organisations. The aim of the residencies was to investigate the discrete discourses surrounding sciences and media arts and encourage the generation of unexpected and 'alchemic' outcomes.

Four residencies were held over 1999 - 2001. The host organisation provided a work space, some technical support and the critical context of a science research community. ANAT provided artist fees, materials support and some travel and living expenses. Three of the residencies (Oron Catts & Ionat Zurrr, Justine Cooper and Adam Donovan) were hosted in science institutions and the fourth by David Rogers was conducted independently with some support from members of the scientific community.

The core objectives of Scientific Serendipity:

Ý to encourage the creation of new forms of artistic expression within the arena of science and contemporary technologies

Ý to foster and facilitate placements and relationships with science institutions whereby artists can develop and test new creative ideas and technical processes, resulting in the development of a new work

Ý to enrich existing scientific organisations by facilitating their role as a context for the development of new creative content.

R E S O U R C E S

SYNAPSE Database.

http://www.synapse.net.au

The Synapse database acts as an essential tool in the ongoing development of art and science collaborations. It is an important resource providing information on artists, scientists and organisations working in the area of cross-disciplinary research across the fields of arts and sciences in Australia.

The Australian Network for Art & Technology (ANAT) developed the Synapse database for the New Media Arts Board of the Australia Council as a major component of the Board's Synapse, art and science initiative.

conVerge Archive

www.adelaidebiennial.com

Following on from the recent conVerge: Where Science and Art Meet exhibition (Adelaide Biennial of Australian Art) ANAT is maintaining the ongoing development of the artist archive which formed part of the exhibition. The archive is "...a space for documenting projects, stimulating discussion and archiving conversations, email dialogues, hypotheticals, unrealisable projects, online discussions and forums".

BEAP (Biennale of Electronic Art Perth)
July 31 - September 15

www.beap.org

The inaugural thematic focus for BEAP is LOCUS, the place where we believe consciousness meets the physicality of senses. Several art and science focussed symposia will take place during BEAP including the Aesthetics of Care (co-ordinated by SymbioticA) and the 4th International CAiiA-STAR Research Conference Consciousness Reframed 2002. ASCI (Art Science Collaborations Inc, USA)

ArtSci2002: New Dimensions in Collaboration
December 6 - 8, 2002

http://www.asci.org

ASCI co-ordinates the annual ArtSci symposium which brings together representatives from art, science and industry to discuss collaborative projects, working models and future directions. In 2002, ASCI presents ArtSci2002: New Dimensions in Collaboration, in partnership with the American Museum of Natural History and the Graduate Center of the City University of New York. ANAT is supporting ArtSci2002 through development of the website and participation in programming.

P U B L I C A T I O N S

To document and promote the ANAT Scientific Serendipity residency program, ANAT is currently producing a publication to be launched in August 2002. Sydney-based new media artist and curator KATHY CLELAND is compiling interviews with the artists, which will be complemented by statements from host organisations. The publication will be designed by DREW JOYCE and will be launched at BEAP (Biennale of Electronic Art Perth).

The publication will be sent free of charge to ANAT members, is free from the ANAT office or $5 (postage and handling). To register for a copy of the publication email anat@anat.org.au

Previous ANAT Publication

ARCADIA: writings on theology and technology [ the evanescent promise of utopia, transcendence, life beyond death and the arcades of technology and spirituality that we visit to obtain it ]

R E S I D E N C I E S

Commencing in 1998, Deep Immersion: Scientific Serendipity has encompassed a number of residencies/research projects for Australian artists hosted by science organisations.

One part of this project was the development of four residencies (funded through the Dept of Industry, Science and Resources). A call for residency proposals was made in 1999, with two residencies taking place in 1999/2000 (David Rogers and Oron Catts & Ionat Zurr). The final two residencies took place in 2001 (Adam Donovan and Justine Cooper).

ARTISTS' PAGES

ADAM DONOVAN

JUSTINE COOPER

DAVID ROGERS

ORON CATTS & IONAT ZURR