CALL FOR PARTICIPATION

Walled Garden: The new [in]equalities endorsed by technology
Amsterdam, November 20 and 21, 2008


Virtueel Platform organises Walled Garden, an international conference with a focus on the (in)accessibility of information and knowledge. Driven by the rise of online gated and closed communities, we will address issues of identity, communities and networks.

In 2007 Virtueel Platform organized Culture 2.0, an international conference and laboratory to introduce Web 2.0 thinking into the creative processes and strategies of cultural institutions.
One starting point was a practical one: in which ways could the developments be applied in the cultural sector? On the other hand we wanted to investigate whether embracing Web2.0 tools and thinking would generate new/other forms of content or approaches - or threaten culture as we know it.

Now that the tools are in place and people have begun to find their way, Virtueel Platform plans to investigate more specific experiences and challenges surrounding the Web 2.0 hype. This will be done through signalling and identifying success factors and failures, and by reflecting on and analyzing Web 2.0 strategies, mobile communication and networked environments. What are the social processes underlying these systems and how does the interplay between new technologies and people’s lives vary according to cultures and institutions in different parts of the world and among different social groups? What are the new (in)equalities introduced by differential access to an infrastructure of wireless communication in a world based on connectivity?
Our goal is to come up with a blueprint that reflects the changing structures of our digital world and the processes at work.

Instead of keynote speakers and plenary discussions we will approach the topics through exploration, experimentation and exchange of knowledge. Structured group dialogue is the main focus, interspersed at set times with inspirational presentations from artists, researchers, theorists and technologists.

Sessions will be lead by (amongst others): Erin Manning (Senselab, Montreal), Tapio Makipaa, Bronac Ferran (Royal College of Art, London), Matt Ratto, Edward Schanken (University of Amsterdam), Adam Somlai-Fischer (aether, Hungary), Sabine Niederer (Institute of Network Cultures)

[Virtual] presentations by : Celia Pearce (Georgia Tech), mez (augmentology), Aenimae, Metabiosis, Tom Klinkowstein, Bricolabs, …

practical information:
We like to invite anyone with a profound interest in innovative strategies, structures and e-culture to sign up. There is a limited number of seats available, therefore a selection process will take place.
In order to participate we like you to write a statement of max 500 words describing why you want to participate and what you would like to get out of the conference. Application for participation can be send together with a short biography before November 1st to: workshop@virtueelplatform.nl

Location: Lloyd Hotel, Amsterdam
Fee: 150,- euro (students 75,-) for two days, including lunches, one dinner and night program.

We are also looking for students that like to help us facilitate the event, the discussions and the outcomes. If you’re interested please write a motivation + short resume to workshop@virtueelplatform.nl
Volunteering means free access to the Walled Garden! Get inspired, be part of it!

More information and regular updates: http://www.virtueelplatform.nl/walledgarden


Virtueel Platform is an independent expertise centre that stimulates innovation and supports knowledge exchange in the field of e-culture in the Netherlands. We have an international focus and exchange Dutch e-culture information and knowledge with the international cultural community.