Embodied Media and Interactive Performance

University of California, Irvine

February 22-23, 2010

The BodyTech Symposium on Embodied Media and Interactive Performance will focus on recent developments in the theory and practice of embodied media and performance technologies. Rather than restricting human-computer interaction to a screen on a desktop with keyboard and mouse, this research envisions real-world performative environments that foster real-time interactions between people and computing technology, incorporating digital media with movement, voice and other forms of dynamic expression.

The primary objective of the BodyTech Symposium is to create a space where advanced researchers and creative artists can share experiences and ideas. We hope to contribute to the development of an interdisciplinary network of technology researchers and performing artists with a commitment to advancing the body of knowledge on embodied media and performance technologies being conducted by symposium participants and others in related fields.

This two-day symposium, scheduled for February 22-23, 2010 in the Calit2 building at UC Irvine, will incorporate talks, performances and demonstrations, emphasizing the development of communication channels between participants and sharing of information and ideas. Participants will include performing artists, theorists, researchers and technology developers.

By bringing together a critical mass of leading researchers with an interdisciplinary focus on performing arts and embodied media technologies (including established artists, scholars and technology developers as well as students), the symposium will contribute to understanding the impact of emerging digital technologies in the convergence of performing arts, computing, engineering and media studies.

The goals of the BodyTech Symposium are to increase awareness of the theory and practice of embodied media and performance, to encourage further artistic/technical research and development, to elevate critical discourse and to generate ideas for further collaborations among participants. The program includes invited papers, media/technology demonstrations and discussion sessions. This event will be of particular interest to researchers and practitioners in the performing arts (dance, drama, music), installation and visual arts, film and media studies, information technology, computer science, electrical and mechanical engineering.