ctrl+shift HUMAN: Arts, Sciences and Technologies in Coded Societies

Code, algorithms and artificial intelligence complement the human condition, can solve problems, accelerate decision-making, and help complete complex tasks through self-learning processes. The framework in which these operate is often defined as a communication system that is universal, transparent, simple and accessible.

However, algorithmic processes are inscribed in our infrastructures. And beyond the purely functional transmission and transformation of the data, they often work invisibly, shaping and influencing social, cultural, economical and political spheres and redefining our individual and common identities.

This year’s Beyond the Obvious (BtO) Conference ctrl+shift HUMAN: Arts, Sciences and Technologies in Code Dependent Societies will focus on that paradigm: between the fascination generated by the possibilities this hybrid and augmented condition brings, and the awareness of the new patterns that lead to redefinitions of creativity, disciplines, representation, globalization, production, labor… all within the framework of an increasing code dependence.

We will also explore the environmental impacts of media content and data generation, storage and transfer. Algorithmic processes require ever-increasing infrastructures, supported by servers, putting pressure on available natural resources and on the environment where citizens and cultures develop.

Approaching these issues recognizes the strategic importance of a wider outlook, beyond disciplinary silos, including arts, sciences, education and research. This provides enormous possibilities to cross knowledge and sectors. It includes discussions about policy intervention and funding – local, national and European –and about how to foster collaboration between different operators and institutions.

We will bring together various experiences and practices from the fields of arts and culture, sciences, technologies, activisms, theory and politics, to explore possible cross-disciplinary answers and diverse actions towards the challenging relations between Technology and Humans. How to keep our humanity in this and find new forms of sense making in a post productive and global society? What are the new models in those relations, and which role does culture, the arts and education play? Are our institutions ready for it, aware of their new role? Which organizations and policies are needed to foster alternative, transsectorial and intercultural competences?

TAGS: AI, Anthropocene, Algorithms, Cultural policies, Data Harvesting, Data Forensics, Decision making processes, Identities, Media Competences, Posthumanism, Research, Science-Fiction, STEAM, STAD.

GOALS:

To open debate about the disconnection of spheres where ideas circulate online, the hyper-segmentation of cultural digital content and the cultural and social effects of the new global content platforms. To come up with a possible agenda: (a) to ensure European cultural diversity of cultural content (i.e. the online representation of European identities, uploading of representative content); and (b) to overcome network effects, black box algorithms and big data effects on the creation of “new dominant cultures”;
To raise awareness of the environmental impact of data storage and transfer;
To understand how artificial intelligence – and other algorithms – work, how they influence decision-making processes and how they can produce profound changes and challenges for the future of culture, science and technology;
To analyse the dominant narratives surrounding how AI and algorithms affect human social activity;
To foster critical visual, media and intercultural competences and coordinate actions by cultural agents and artists.

METHODOLOGY:

To debate, in an interdisciplinary fashion (STAD + STEAM + Science Fiction), the effects of AI and automated processes in shaping social, economical, cultural and labor practices;
To look for successful practices and examples to strengthen the position of cultural practices in a code-dependent world.
To facilitate collaboration among European cultural agents, and beyond, to shape these new realities.

TARGET AUDIENCES:

Cultural agents from Romania and the region
European cultural stakeholders
Cultural content producers (museums, media, theaters, festivals…)
Educational and research institutions
Artists
Sci-Fi Authors
IT developers and interface designers
AI researchers and scientists
Politicians
Foundations

Visit the Beyond the Obvious website for detailed programme and speakers.

Beyond the Obvious 2018 | ctrl+shift HUMAN: Arts, Sciences & Technologies in Coded Societies

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