<nettime-ann> Appel à contribution - Connected Communities Symposium, 14-16 Septembre 2011, Culture Lab Newcastle, UK

[J Rabie <joe@overmydeadbody.org>]

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*** Apologies for cross-posting. Please distribute widely ***

CALL FOR EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

CONNECTED COMMUNITIES Symposium
Culture Lab Newcastle, UK — 14-16th September 2011
http://side-creative.ncl.ac.uk/communities/symposium11/

Culture Lab Newcastle is hosting an international interdisciplinary 
event open to the general public, on the topic of “connected 
communities”. We are looking for expressions of interest for talks and 
projects to exhibit from theorists and practitioners alike.

TOPIC

Many theorists have regarded communities as networks of interacting 
people within a defined territory, and policy-makers have tended to 
respond to this particular understanding. However, in an era where 
digital technologies have supported transnational forms of 
connectedness and the efficiency of grassroot movements, communities 
are once again looked at as innovative fertile grounds for alternative 
social organisation.

In a time when these trends can be manipulated by current governmental 
agendas, the Connected Communities symposium aims to critically explore 
evolving notions of community in art, design, history, politics, 
sociology, journalism, and hacktivism, among others.

Focus will be shed on – but not restricted to – the following topics:

 *   Effects of digital technologies on community formation, 
self-realisation, and development;
 *   How creative use of technology fosters micro-communities, empowers 
marginalised groups and enables new forms of cultural expression;
  *   Socio-political impact of community connectivity on society, in 
particular during this period of economic change.

This symposium will take place over a period of three days at Culture 
Lab, an interdisciplinary research laboratory and a venue for 
engagement and public events. It will consist of :

 *   A conference with talks selected from submitted expressions of 
interests, and invited speakers.
 *   An exhibition and a film screening centred on the notions of 
community and digital media. This will include blogs, documentation of 
community-based art workshops, art and ethnographic projects.
  *   A focused hands-on workshop (half a day). A conference can 
provide a playful environment, and we create a temporary community of 
practice to explore deeper questions of community. The access would be 
limited to 15 people on a first come – first served basis. Invitation 
to subscribe will be sent when the conference program is set.

SUBMISSION OF EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST

Talks: The submission should express in a short text of 400 words what 
their interest, statements and/or work is in relation to the topic of 
connected communities.

Exhibition: We are looking for projects than can be showcased as 
websites, blogs, videos, films, installations that underline the impact 
of digital technologies on communities or that uncover new types of 
communities.

Please send your submissions in PDF format (additional audiovisual 
material can be submitted in the form of online material with 
corresponding URL) to the following email address by 19th May 2011, 
23.59 GMT+1: ConnComm2011@gmail.com

IMPORTANT DATES

Deadline for expressions of interest: 19th May 2011
Notification of acceptance: 25th May 2011
Symposium: 14th-16th September 2011

FEE

The symposium, all events included, will be free of charge for all 
participants. Speakers who are not supported by an institution will be 
offered transport to Newcastle and accommodation.

CONTACT AND INFORMATION

For more information, please email us at ConnComm2011@gmail.com and/or 
visit the symposium website:
http://side-creative.ncl.ac.uk/communities/symposium11/

ORGANISERS

Joëlle Bitton, Lalya Gaye, Andreia Cavaco, Ben Jones, Graeme Mearns and 
Atau Tanaka (Culture Lab Newcastle)
Ranald Richardson (Center for Urban & Regional Development Studies, 
Newcastle University)
http://side-creative.ncl.ac.uk/communities/
http://culturelab.ncl.ac.uk/
http://www.ncl.ac.uk/curds/

The symposium is funded by the AHRC research program “Connected 
communities” and SiDE research program at Culture Lab.
http://www.ahrc.ac.uk/
http://www.side.ac.uk/

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