Monthly Archives: March 2017

Valokuvataiteen jatko-opintoseminaari, keskiviikkona 19.4.

Tervetuloa DOM-L0003 Valokuvataiteen jatko-opintoseminaariin

Keskiviikkona 19 huhtikuuta 2017, klo 10–16
Arabian kampus, Hämeentie 135 C, Helsinki
9. krs, valokuvauksen tilat

Professori: Merja Salo

Ohjelma:

10-12 Kari Pyykönen: Väitöskirjan rakenne, sisällysluettelo ja poimintoja aineistosta.
12-13 Lounastauko
13-15 Satu Kiuru (Taiteen laitos): Kuvataiteilijan tutkimusmatka tiedostamattomaan. Väitöskirjan rakenteen ja aineiston esittely.
15-16 Pauliina Pasanen: Society for Photographic Education, seminaarikuulumisia Floridasta.

Guest lecture by Prof. Marcus Foth

Welcome to the guest lecture by

Prof. Marcus Foth

DOM-L0001 Visual Communication Design Doctoral Seminar
Aalto ARTS, Department of Media
Prof. Masood Masoodian from 1 December 2016

Thursday 30 March, Time: 13:00–15:00), Miestentien 3 (Otaniemi), room 429.

Professor Marcus Foth, Creative Industries Faculty, School of Design Office, Interactive and Visual Design, Queensland University of Technology, Brisbane, Australia.
See more: http://staff.qut.edu.au/staff/foth/

The lecture is open for all in Aalto University. Welcome!

1st EAI International Conference on Technology, Innovation, Entrepreneurship & Education

JULY 14, 2017, Canterbury, United Kingdom

Call for Workshop papers:

Holonovels – New Frontiers for Engaging Arts and Sciences in Future-Oriented Design

This workshop encourages creative contributions that take the form of original narrative fiction, such as science fiction prototypes (SFP), design fiction, scenario based design, or related contributions. To form a focal point, we are asking authors to use the STAR TREK ® HOLODECK® as inspiration for their stories and discussions. In general, a HOLODECK – a space in which simulations of people, objects and environments that seem to be real can be created and can be interacted with – is a plot device to frame stories and discussions. The Holodeck is an imaginary concept, but we hope that its futuristic nature will motivate ideas that will be transferable to our own world, enabling discussion that range from concepts for new technologies to concerns about their societal or ethical use.

Keynote speaker: Gene Dolgoff – The Man Behind the Holodeck

http://educateinnovate.org/2017/show/keynotes

Topics
In more detail, topics we would be particularly interested in receiving ‘holonovels’ on (but not limited to):
· Artificial Intelligence
· Simulated and Virtual worlds, Telepresence
· Virtual – Augmented – and Mixed Realities (VR, AR, MR)
· Haptic technologies
· Cyberspace dramas, Narrative Environments
· Human Factors, Human-centred Design, User Experience
· Virtual Staging, Screenwriting techniques (e.g. screenplays, storyboards)
· Game design
· Social, political, legal, art or business applications

The holonovel should be essentially seen as a new medium, to be considered not just by engineers and scientists but also by artists and designers. This will ensure that many perspectives, affordances, boundaries and opportunities of this new medium can be considered before such technology actually exists. Therefore, we encourage contributions that cross professional boundaries, especially between the arts and sciences. Although papers based around fictional narratives are encouraged, we do not want to limit the content of the contributions, so we also welcome papers looking at aspects of the development of “holodecks” from any perspective.

Paper Submission:
· Workshop Paper Submission deadline – 1 May 2017
· Workshop Notification deadline – 1 June 2017
· Workshop Camera-ready deadline – 12 June 2017

The proceedings of the HOLODECK WORKSHOP will be published together with the proceedings of TIE 2017 by Springer and made available through LNICST. Papers must be formatted using the guideline from the guidelines from Author’s kit section.

More information:
http://educateinnovate.org/2017/show/home
http://educateinnovate.org/2017/show/HOLODECK

(*STAR TREK, HOLODECK and related marks are trademarks of CBS Studios Inc.)

Best Regards,
Conference Workshop Chairs,

Tiina Kymäläinen
Human Factors, Virtual and Augmented Reality, VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd.
Jim Hensman
Serious Games Institute, Coventry University

Nordic Design Research Society conference (NORDES’17)

… website is now updated! http://www.nordes.org/nordes2017/

Conference Theme: DESIGN + POWER
15 – 17 June 2017, AHO · Oslo, Norway

“CALL FOR PAPERS” is still open!
Deadline 1 Apr

The date is near, however there are many possible submission categories, so there’s definately still time! Submission categories: full paper, short paper, case, exhibition, poster, pictorial, and workshop, as well as a doctoral consortium encouraging work-in-progress papers.

KEYNOTES:
Nordes Honorary Keynote: Professor Thomas Binder
Young Scholars Keynote: Dr Mahmoud Keshavarz
International Research Keynote: Professor Yoko Akama
International Research Keynote: Professor Dori Tunstall
National Design Practice Keynote: Even Westvang

THEME “The theme of DESIGN + POWER allows us to take up what are difficult and dynamic relationships of design in the face of current societal challenges, needs of the design professions and wider political and economic forces. We are able to do so, and need to do so, precisely because design and design research are co-creative, productive and forward looking in character and actions. We have built a substantial body of related research but we need to work actively to ensure its survival and adaptation. Different interpretations of power are invited that may address its unfolding, for example, in terms of positionality, norm-criticality, feminisms, decolonism, materiality, temporality, responsibility, justice, equality, ethics, politics, governance, institutions, participation and engagement.”

Lecture by Marcus Foth on Living+ Forum

Welcome to a lecture by:

Marcus Foth

on Living+ Forum

March 30th at 16:00, R001/Y122D (Otakaari 1)

Abstract
Ubiquitous computing, mobile devices, and big data come together to give rise to a new urban paradigm being celebrated by many technology corporations and municipalities alike: the smart city. Yet, the general tenor of the current hype around smart cities is mainly about efficiency and productivity gains through automation and algorithmic analysis, and growth.

What evidence is there to suggest that the smart city can provide genuine answers to a number of wicked problems humanity faces?

In this talk, Professor Marcus Foth will dissect components that make up smart cities from cradle to grave and focus on the question of sustainability in cities. He will critically review examples and case studies with a view to widen the scope of the debate. Concluding remarks around co-creation, co-habitation and participatory governance beg further questions about not just the future of cities, but the future of deliberative democracy

Bio:
http://www.vrolik.de/

Nida Doctoral School 2017 – Tweezers and Squeezers: Methodological Approaches and Research Methods in Art, Design & Architecture

Please read below about this year’s Nida Doctoral School (NDS) intensive course for DA and PhD students.

NDS is a wonderful opportunity for doctoral candidates to focus on their doctoral thesis development. There are 4 places for Aalto ARTS students and costs will be covered on ARTS School level.

You will find more information and the link to the Application Form by scrolling down.


Tweezers and Squeezers: Methodological Approaches and Research Methods in Art, Design and Architecture
Third Nida Doctoral School intensive course for DA and PhD students in art, design, architecture, humanities and the social sciences

21-26 August 2017
Nida Art Colony of Vilnius Academy of Arts, Lithuania

Application deadline: 31 March 2017

VAA Nida Art Colony, Neringa, Lithuania, 2016. Dronography by Robertas Narkus
 
Theme
The third Nida Doctoral School (NDS) will bring together a multidisciplinary group of practice and theory-based doctoral candidates researching different topics in the context of the visual and performing arts, design and architecture, sharing the common goal of completing a doctoral degree, to discuss and develop the methodological framework of their research projects. NDS will provide a platform for dialogue and the exchange of ideas, as well as a space for sharing feedback and peer support. The aim of NDS 2017 is to focus on research methods and on the development of methodological skills and approaches, and to provide critical feedback from distinguished international tutors.

Finding suitable methods and framing the methodological approach is one of the biggest sources of anxiety and uncertainty for doctoral researchers, especially practice-based, when developing and implementing a research plan. Could I treat my art or design practice as the main method? How should I write about my methodology? Or, as Henk Slager calls it, ‘methodicy’*? How should I safeguard myself and my audience from methodological excess? Does my methodological approach help or limit me in doing my research? When should I think about it: when starting or when concluding my research and thesis? What is the relationship between theory and practice in my research, and which philosophical/theoretical school should I refer to in order to base my argument?

Format
The third NDS will take place on 21-26 August 2017. Each day will include one-hour-long presentations by invited speakers and tutors, followed by one-hour-long discussions. The rest of the day will be dedicated to doctoral student presentations, followed by discussions and feedback (one hour per student). Invited speakers and tutors will act as respondents to the student research development work. The programme will also include slots for individual consultations.

The students are expected to participate in presentations and discussions, and to prepare for the course by studying a reading list compiled by the invited speakers and tutors and provided in early June. In addition to the discussions around the overall topic of the School, students are asked to prepare a 30-minute presentation of their own research and practice, with a special focus on their methodological approach. In these sessions, students will receive feedback from their peers on other doctoral programmes, as well as from the invited speakers and tutors of the School.

Invited Speakers and Tutors
In 2017, NDS has the pleasure to welcome three INVITED SPEAKERS:
–        Dr Joanne Morra, Reader in Art History and Theory, curator of the Doctoral Platform at Central Saintt Martins, University of the Arts London, founding principal editor of Journal of Visual Culture;
–        Dr Marquard Smith, academic, curator, commissioner, programmer, and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Visual Culture, currently Programme Leader for the MA Museums & Galleries in Education at UCL Institute of Education;
–        Prof Juha Suoranta, social scientist and public intellectual, professor at the University of Tampere, author of ‘Artistic Research Methodology. Narrative, Power and the Public’ (with Mika Hannula and Tere Vadén, 2014), ‘Rebellious Research’ (in Finnish with Sanna, Rynnänen, 2014).

Dr Joanne Morra is a Reader in Art History and Theory at Central Saint Martins (CSM), University of the Arts London. She runs The Doctoral Platform at CSM, and is the Founding Principal Editor of Journal of Visual Culture. She has published widely on modern and contemporary art, in, for instance, New Formations, Art History, Journal of Modern Art, What is Research in the Visual Arts (eds. Holly & Smith). Joanne has edited many collections, including ‘The Limits of Death’ (MUP 2000), ‘The Prosthetic Impulse: From a Posthuman Present to a Biocultural Future’ (MIT 2006), ‘Visual Culture: Critical Concepts in Media and Cultural Studies’ (4 volumes, Routledge 2006), ‘Acts of Translation with Bal’ (Sage 2007). Recent activities include the exhibition ‘Saying It’ (Freud Museum London 2012), ‘Intimacy Unguarded: Autobiography, Biography, Memoir’ (with Talbot, 2013), ‘50 Years of Art and Objecthood’ (with Green, Sage 2017), and ‘Inside the Freud Museums: History, Memory and Site-Responsive Art’ (I.B. Tauris 2017).

Dr Marquard Smith is Programme Leader for the MA Museums & Galleries in Education at UCL Institute of Education. He is an academic, curator, commissioner, programmer, and Founder and Editor-in-Chief of Journal of Visual Culture. Recent exhibitions curated include, ‘The Global Archive’ (London, 2012), ‘Jordan McKenzie: An Englishman Abroad’ (Istanbul, 2014), and most recently ‘How to Construct a Time Machine’ (Milton Keynes, 2015). Marq writes on artistic research, practice-based research, archives, arts education, and most recently on experimentally in ‘MaHKUscript: Journal of Fine Art Research’. He is author, editor, and co-editor of over 20 books and themed issues of journals including ‘What is Research in the Visual Arts?’ (Yale UP, 2008), ‘Visual Culture Studies’ (Sage, 2008), ‘The Erotic Doll: A Modern Fetish’ (Yale UP, 2013), ‘The Prosthetic Impulse’ (The MIT Press, 2005). Marq’s previous academic roles include: Head of the School of Art and Design History, Kingston University, London; Research Leader and Head of Doctoral Studies in the School of Humanities at Royal College of Art; and Founding Director of the Institute for Modern and Contemporary Culture at University of Westminster, London.

Prof Juha Suoranta is a Finnish social scientist, and public intellectual. He is currently Professor at the University of Tampere. In total, he has published 38 books, such as ‘The Integrated Media Machine I: A Theoretical Framework’ (co-edited with Mauri Ylä-Kotola, Sam Inkinen and Jari Rinne), 2000; ‘Architecture: Theory, Research, and Practice’ (with Seppo Aura and Juhani Katainen), 2001; ‘Artistic Research. Theories, Methods, and Practices’ (with Mika Hannula and Tere Vadén), 2005; ‘Artistic Research Methodology’ (with Mika Hannula and Tere Vadén), 2014.  Suoranta has published extensively in the fields of education, political sociology of education, radical adult education, critical media education, and critical pedagogy. In his writing, Suoranta is interested in bringing together ideas and material from various disciplines, including media and cultural studies, sociology, educational studies, literature studies and literature.

Three TUTORS will guide the students through the course:
–        Dr Sofia Pantouvaki, scenographer and Professor of Costume Design at Aalto University;
–        Dr Mika Elo, Professor of Artistic Research, Head of Doctoral Programme, Vice-Dean for Research at the University of the Arts Helsinki, Academy of Fine Arts;
–        Konstantinas Bogdanas, artist and Associate Professor of Visual Art at Vilnius Academy of Arts.

Dr Sofia Pantouvaki is a scenographer and Professor of Costume Design at Aalto University. Her background includes over 80 designs for theatre, film, opera and dance productions in Europe, as well as numerous curatorial and exhibition design projects. She is co-author of ‘History of Dress – The Western World and Greece’ (2010), editor, ‘Yannis Metsis – Athens Experimental Ballet’ (2011), and co-editor of ‘Presence and Absence: The Performing Body’ (2014). She is editor of the academic journal ‘Studies in Costume and Performance’, project leader for ‘Visual Aspects of Performance Practice’ and the Vice-Head of Research for OISTAT Costume Design Group. Costume Curator for World Stage Design (2013), and Associate Curator for ‘Costume in Action’ (WSD2013). At Aalto University, she founded ‘Costume in Focus’ and is Principal Investigator of the research project ‘Costume Methodologies’ funded by the Academy of Finland (2014-2018). Sofia has taught and lectured internationally. Her recent research focuses on performance costume, fashion and costume curating, the potential of new materials and embodied technologies in costume practice, and clothing in the concentration camps of the Second World War.

Dr Mika Elo is Professor of Artistic Research at the University of the Arts Helsinki. His research interests include theory of photographic media, philosophical media theory, and artistic research. He participates in discussions in these areas in his capacity as curator, visual artist and researcher. In 2009-2011, he worked on the research project ‘Figures of Touch’ (figuresoftouch.com). In 2012-2013, he co-curated the Finnish exhibition ‘Falling Trees’ at the Biennale Arte 2013 in Venice. He is also a member of the editorial board of the ‘Journal for Artistic Research’.

Konstantinas Bogdanas studied painting at the State Institute of Art (now Vilnius Academy of Arts). He currently lectures on visual art at the Academy. Since 2012, he has supervised doctoral students’ practice-based research. Bogdanas has been exhibiting since 1986. In his artistic career, he focuses on concept-based artwork, andcombines different media (objects, installations, performances, photographs), the most important of which, however, is the medium of language. Formally speaking, Bogdanas is mainly concerned with questions of identity. He questions abstract notions, such as art, nation and perception, as well as the personal understanding of the self. The key words in his work are (non)coincidence, (in)adequacy, (un)necessity, (non)fruition, (un)usefulness, (non)understanding, (in)capability. The most important, though far from obvious key words, are artificiality and vulnerability. An element of humour is present, only it is not so striking; it always succumbs to existential doubt. His ‘poste restante’ posture of silent waiting and non-involvement should also be conceived as a conceptual work of art.

NAC Academic Board members will also contribute to the course.

What is Nida Doctoral School (NDS)?
In Nida, we explore unorthodox approaches to research. Through making, performing, writing and discussing, we test the possibilities for generating knowledge outside the conventional venues and models of academic research. NDS participants are offered a possibility to position their own research and practice within a broader field of research approaches. NDS aims to open up the horizons for experimental development by intersecting with a diversity of disciplines and experiences. The goal of NDS is to provide time, space and a conceptual framework for participants to gain an insight into their field of research, as well as to broaden and diversify their outlook and methodological tools.

Nida Doctoral School is an international programme designed and organised by the Nida Art Colony of Vilnius Academy of Arts, and Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, for doctoral students in the visual and performing arts, design and architecture. In 2017, the University of the Arts Helsinki is joining the organisers’ team.

NDS is tailored for doctoral students in the visual and performing arts, design and architecture. However, some limited places are intended for students within the humanities and social sciences, if their research is related to the arts, design and architecture. The programme comprises seven day-long intensive courses, organised once a year, and 1-6 month-long doctoral residencies which are part of the international Nida Artist-in-Residence Programme (the annual application deadline is 15 March).

Tuition, Funding and Costs
There is no tuition fee. Free accommodation and catering are provided for selected applicants from Aalto University School of Arts, Design and Architecture, University of the Arts Helsinki, and Vilnius Academy of Arts. In addition, Aalto and UniArts students are provided with a travel grant. Other participants are expected to cover their accommodation and catering costs, which amount to 300 Eur/person in a double room, and travel costs.

Application
Please fill in the NDS application form.
Application attachments (motivation letter, CV and portfolio) should be sent to rasa.antanaviciute@vda.lt
All application documents should be submitted by 31 March 2017.

Up to 16 students will be invited to take part on the NDS course.

Practical information regarding accommodation, travel arrangements, payment and all other issues will be sent to the selected participants in due course. You can check out the facilities of Nida Art Colony here and the programmes of previous NDS courses here.

For any other queries, please contact Dr Rasa Antanavičiūtė, Manager of NDS and Executive Director of Nida Art Colony, at rasa.antanaviciute@vda.lt

About Nida Art Colony (NAC)
Nida Art Colony is an art and meeting space, surrounded by sand dunes and seas. As a resourceful platform, it runs an Artist-in-Residence Programme, Nida Doctoral School, and initiates art, education and research projects. We aim at a creative confluence of academic and non-academic education, artistic and scientific practice, hard work and leisure.

NAC is a subdivision of Vilnius Academy of Arts, and opened in 2011. It operates all year round, receives about 700 people a year, and provides space for workshops, intensive courses, exhibitions, seminars, rehearsals, artists’ talks and screenings in its premises of 2,500 square metres. Its activities can result in presentations, exhibitions, broadcasts and publications.

NAC is located on the Curonian Spit, a peninsula dividing the Curonian Lagoon and the Baltic Sea. The spit is on the UNESCO World Heritage List as one of the most beautiful and unique cultural landscapes of Europe. It also forms Neringa National Park. Nida is 50 kilometres from the Lithuanian seaport of Klaipėda, and 360 kilometres from the capital city Vilnius.

*Methodicy: ‘[…] a strong belief in a methodology founded on operational strategies which cannot be formulated and legitimized beforehand’ (Henk Slager, The Pleasure of Research, 2015, p. 30).

Invitation: Presentation skills courses for doctoral candidates in April/May

3 courses on presentation skills by the Language Centre (Aalto University), details below

·         Informative Presentations course 12.4.-10.5.2017, Vie-98.1228, H05, 1 ECTS

·         Esitelmöintitaidot kurssi 19.4. – 17.5.2017, Vie-98.1228, H06, 1 op

·         LC-0320 Presentation Skills 2.5. – 18.5., 3 ECTS


Presentation Skills Course for Doctoral Students in English (group H05) and in Finnish (group H06). 

See detailed information below in English and in Finnish. Suomenkielisen kurssin tiedot löydät lopusta.


Informative Presentations course 12.4.-10.5.2017, Vie-98.1228, H05, 1 study point.

A conference presentation coming up? Want to practice and build your confidence? Sign up in Weboodi for a short and effective presentation skills course “Informative presentations”  Vie-98.1228, group H05 (held in English), 1 study point.

The course consists of three sessions:

Wednesday 12.4.2017, 12:30-15.45

Wednesday 26.4.2017, 12:30-15.45

Wednesday 10.5.2017, 12:30-15.45

During the course, you have a chance to practice your presentation skills and public speaking in a small group (max 10 participants). The course consists of video-recorded presentation exercises, personal feedback, and practical tips for planning, structuring and giving your presentation. Moreover, the course is an excellent opportunity to meet other doctoral students and share experiences of conference presentations.

The course held in Aalto University Language Center, Otakaari 1.

Sign up in Weboodi!


Esitelmöintitaidot kurssi 19.4. – 17.5.2017, Vie-98.1228, H06, 1 op.

Hei! Onko sinulla kongressiesiintyminen lähestymässä? Haluatko harjoitella esitystäsi, saada palautetta, vinkkejä ja lisää varmuutta esiintymiseen? 

Esitelmöintitaidot-kurssi, Vie-98.1228, ryhmän H06 opetuskieli on suomi, mutta esityksesi voit toki pitää englanniksikin. Kurssi on suunnattu ensisijaisesti jatko-opiskelijoille ja tavoitteena on harjoitella konferenssiesitelmiä. Esitykset videoidaan ja saat palautetta ja vinkkejä hyvässä hengessä. Kurssi on myös oiva tilaisuus tavata muiden alojen jatko-opiskelijoita ja jakaa kokemuksia. 

Kurssi koostuu kolmesta tapaamisesta:

Ke 19.4.2017 klo 12.30 – 15.45 

Ke 03.5.2017 klo 12.30 – 15.45 

Ke 17.5.2017 klo 12.30 – 15.45 

Harjoitukset pidetään kielikeskuksessa, päärakennus, Otakaari 1, Otaniemi.

Ilmoittaudu nopeasti weboodissa! Kurssilla otetaan vain 10 opiskelijaa. 


LC-0320 Presentation Skills (3 ECTS) 2.5. – 18.5. on Tuesdays and Thursdays 10am-14.30pm  (in English)

This course is for all non-Finnish speaking students and researchers. On the course you´ll get to practice academic presentations, speeches, argumentation and also improvised performing.

The main goal is to feel good about speaking in front of an audience and to improve communication skills in different contexts. You´ll get lots of feedback too!

Register in oodi.

Lost & Found – Call Out for VCD SPRING PUBLICATION & EXHIBITION 2017

VCD SPRING PUBLICATION & EXHIBITION 2017
CALL OUT

THE LOST & FOUND TEAM INVITES VCD STUDENTS (INCL. DOCTORAL STUDENTS!)  TO SUBMIT THEIR WORK TO THE VCD SPRING PUBLICATION & EXHIBITION (AALTO UNIVERSITY)

WHAT IS THIS?
VCD Visual Narrative track is launching a publication celebrating the work produced in the VCD Programme this present academic year. The launch is accompanied with a weekend exhibition extravaganza from May 12th to May 13th at ADD LAB. We are currently looking for the VCD students’ work to include in both the publication and the exhibition.

After the recent changes in both our Programme’s name and location, many of us may have felt a bit lost this year. Considering this, the theme of the publication and exhibition is “Lost & Found”. We want to highlight and embrace the things usually lost in finalized designs and stories; the meandering process, the original idea and maybe even the point of it all.

Let’s find ourselves again.

WHAT ARE WE LOOKING FOR?
We are looking for any work done in or out of school context during the academic year 2016-2017. We want to display your most terrible doodles next to your most magnificent masterpieces, so be brave and daring in your submissions. We accept unfinished work and sketches as well as the more finalized projects.

The more uncomfortable you’re about submitting the work, the better.

WHO SHOULD APPLY:
VCD BA, MA and DA students are encouraged to send us their work. Folk from any brand of New Media are also welcome to take part, if they want. The more the merrier!

HOW TO APPLY:
Please fill this form to apply: https://goo.gl/forms/T5JXRPe4KxW3zP8m2

After sending in the form, we would also like you to send a preview of the work you’re submitting, whether it is for the publication or the exhibition or both.

Send an email to the Lost & Found Team (lostandfoundclub2017@gmail.com), include in your response the same name and title you’ve provided in the form and share with us a preview of your work. File share through cloud services is preferred to attachments.

You are welcome to submit multiple entries!

ARTWORK DROP OFF:
If you want your work to be featured in the publication, send your final files to us before 1.4.2017. (don’t be afraid of being late, there is a bit of wiggle room for sleepy heads).
If you want your work to be featured in the exhibition, provide us with your work before 30.4.2017.
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Feel free to ask us any questions, in either Finnish or English.

Cheers,
The Lost & Found Team
lostandfoundclub2017@gmail.com

SAR 2017 Conference Registration is open

PLEASE SPECIFY! – Sharing Artistic Research across Disciplines

The 8th International Conference on Artistic Research
in collaboration with SAR & Uniarts Helsinki

28 – 29 April 2017
Theatre Academy, Helsinki

The Conference registration is open until 13 April 2017!

Find the programme and instructions on registration here: sarconference2017.org

Conference fee: 160/100 €

The conference programme includes more than 40 presentations – followed by 200 participants from across the globe.

Registration closes on 13 April 2017 at 23:59 CET
More about the registration and conference fees here.

For any inquiries about the conference, please contact us at: sar@uniarts.fi
The Conference is a collaboration between Society for Artistic Research (SAR) and University of the Arts Helsinki (Uniarts Helsinki) and it is hosted by the Centre for Artistic Research, Uniarts Helsinki.

Media Lab Doctoral Seminar – March 23, 2017

Welcome to the Media Lab Doctoral Seminar on Thursday March 23rd from 17:00–19:00, note room change to 426 at Miestentie 3 (Otaniemi), 4th floor.

DOM-L0003 Doctor of Arts at Media Lab Seminar
Responsible  teacher: Prof. Lily Díaz-Kommonen

Presentations by Jana Pejoska and Sanna Marttila. See abstracts below.


Jana Pejoska: Designs for an embodied learning experience

Abstract: The study is focused on the research and development of tools for learning that are designed based on the principles of HCI as an embodied experience as defined by Paul Dourish. Considering that social and learning cultures are from the largest part defined by their media and tools for thinking, working, learning and collaborating, it is crucial that the designs of the learning tools are in balance with the culture they are used but also developed in and for. For these reasons the selected methodological approach is research based design, that aims to respond to the needs and strive for developing functional prototypes in an iterative process that includes the end-users from early stages of the research up to the final prototype.

Acknowledging the fact that information and communication are accessible anywhere and at any time with the help of smart mobile devices for users in developed societies, it is important to understand how the context fosters learning. Mobile learning is ubiquitous, context-aware experience, which can occur in any given environment.

I am interested in tools, whether they are software or hardware that would enable an ease of access to information on site and combine both real-world and digital-world learning resources. The tools should enhance the sensory experience of the user to his/her social and physical environment. This embodied experience evokes certain types of interactions and processes of meaning and value.

The results of the study are prototypes of tools that are made for an embodied experience and evidence on their support in situation when learning occurs.

jana_pejoska_small

Jana Pejoska is a doctoral candidate in Media Lab whose main interest is in understanding the creation of good tools that can support learning based on embodied experience. She holds a masters degree in Digital Culture from the University of Jyväskylä where she deepened her experience in games and widened her knowledge in serious games for learning for kids. She worked on her own mobile learning games after that and was active in the serious game industry in Finland. Jana’s latest fascinations are wearables for advanced sensory experiences.


Sanna Marttila: Infrastructuring and Commoning for Cultural Commons

Abstract: This dissertation project centers on co-designing open and meaningful access to vast digital archives of cultural and memory institutions. In the thesis the author reflects on her involvement in three design research cases. Two of the cases are design and development projects of socio-technical infrastructural initiatives aimed at contributing, from different angles, to wider public access to and creative re-use of European digital audiovisual cultural heritage. The first information infrastructure aimed to develop a peer-to-peer audiovisual file-sharing system for creative communities and their emerging media practices. The second initiative developed a Europe-wide portal for digital audiovisual heritage. In the third case the author addresses the cultures surrounding information infrastructures, and discusses means of fostering and sustaining collaboration between cultural and memory institutions and their audiences, through analyzing her engagement with a cultural movement. Through this, she investigates how participatory design activities can strengthen interaction and participation in commons-like frameworks, and explores how commoning and infrastructuring practices could support the emergence of common-pool resources and commons culture.

To frame these three cases, the author builds on the concept of commons, understood as particular arrangements for managing and governing shared resources (Ostrom 1990; Ostrom and Hess 2007; Benkler 2013; Bollier and Helfrich 2012). The focus is particularly on the characteristics of what has lately been referred to as cultural commons (Madison et al. 2010; Hyde 2010; Hess 2012; Bertacchini 2012; Björgvinsson 2014). The cases are analysed by combining this broader framing of commons with a discussion of the concepts of infrastructure and infrastructuring processes (Star and Bowker 2002; Karasti 2014).

The thesis puts forward empirically grounded findings for designing socio-technical infrastructures for digital cultural heritage and people’s everyday media practices. It introduces design principles and strategies directed at professionals both in cultural and memory institutions, as well as in the fields of collaborative media design and human-computer interaction. By building upon design research theory and by engaging with design activities, the thesis also explores the evolving field of co-design and participatory design of information and communication technologies (ICT) and its shifts in focus over time. To conclude, the author suggests that Participatory Design should turn more seriously towards open modalities of collaboration and commons to ensure the relevance of PD in the future.

Screen Shot 2017-03-16 at 11.25.57Sanna Marttila is a doctoral candidate in Aalto University, Media Lab. Her doctoral dissertation explores the role of collaborative design in contributing and sustaining of vibrant cultural commons. As a designer Sanna’s interest includes open and collaborative design and creative re-use of digital cultural heritage.