Introductory Statement
The interrelationship of art, design, technology, and the city recognizing the unique location in the Middle East will be discussed in four round table discussions and culminate in the Creative Think Tank. Hosted under the stream for public space and public art, this special program element brings together local, regional and international experts and community to critically consider particular issues related to the influence of creative disciplines and technology on public interactions and future city spaces.
The round table discussions will be moderated by special invited guests ranging from creative industry expert – Giorgio Ungani (Senior Manager at Expo2020), collector – Sultan Sooud Al Qassemi (Founder of Barjeel Art Foundation), new media artist – Elizabeth Monoian and architect – Robert Ferry (Co-Founders Land Art Generator Initiative).
The discussions will highlight topics such as ‘the growing field of Research Collaboration and Shared Digital Archives’, ‘the relationship of bottom up art communities and governments’, ‘the role of heritage and culture in the age of technology’ and ‘the possibilities of Learning from artistic methods to build smart future city spaces’ and will include short presentations, brainstorm sessions and prompts as well as an open round table discussion involving the invited speakers and the ISEA2014 audience.
Fostering an interdisciplinary dialogue special invited speakers such Ahmed Mater (Artist/Co-Founder “Edge of Arabia”), Aisha Bilkhair (Director Research and Knowledge Services Department at National Center for Documentation & Research/NCDR), Anabelle de Gersigny (Strategy and Partnership Development Manager at Tashkeel), Antonia Carver (Fair Director at Art Dubai), Christine Nasserghodsi (Director of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at GEMS Education,), Erkki Huhtamo (Media Historian/Archeologist), Hetal Pawani (Director at thejamjar), Hind Mezaina (Photographer/Writer and theculturist.com), Jalal Luqman (UAE based Mixed Media Artist), Janet Echelman (Artist/Sculptor), Khaled Hafez (Founder/Director at the Khaled Hafez Foundation), Lisa Ball-Lechgar (Public Relations Manager at ADMAF), Michael Bechara (Director of Projects at British Council), Nasreen Al Tamimi (Vice President tasmena), Nina Colosi (Founder/Creative Director of Streaming Museum) and Salem F. Al Qassimi (Founder of Fikra Design Studio).