Function Keys 2 conference this week

Function Keys 2 is a three-day conference organized by Centre3 for Print and Media Arts that aims to explore contemporary ideas and issues in new technologies and digital culture.

The conference happens November 14th to 16th 2014 in downtown Hamilton, Ontario and included a series of lecture style presentations, demos and workshops. Now in it’s second year, “Function Keys” goal is to provide a space for artists, hackers, computer programmers, and interested community individuals to come together in discussion and share in learning about emerging trends in new technology.

The conference consisted of a top roster of renowned speakers and specialists who are visionaries in their fields. Topics for the 2014 conference included:

• Trading Clay for PLA – A sculptor’s journey from hand built to digitally created.
• Open-source learning: education from a wider community perspective, technology, and culture
• VibraFusionLab: Innovative centre for arts-based vibrotactile research and creative practice
• BioArt: One Artists Perspectives and Experiences • Simulating Everything and its Consequences
• Art & Technology’s role in the redefining of Sexuality: Franken Hookers, Queer Dinosaurs & Other Shreds of Post-Human Radicalism
• Developing Tools for Contemporary Electronic Music Performance
• Ed Roy and the History of the World

The speakers themselves were representative of diverse communities and backgrounds. Coming from a variety of different institutions, all were either academics, hackers, DIY makers and/or practicing artists whose perspectives are informed by interdisciplinary approaches that investigate the intersections of art, technology and culture. Tickets are $5 per lecture, $35 for weekend pass (excludes workshops).

Full Details: functionkeys.ca/FunctionKeys2