3 curating workshops in Belfast 27th-29th AugOPEN BLISS:
participatory, protective, and glocal zones

Open Bliss is a series of open spaces for ISEA2009 in Belfast hosted by CRUMB, the resource for curators of new media art. The three workshops illuminate new media art and curating, and will bring together local and global cultural producers to discuss and share ideas. Open Bliss is interested in "transformative creativity", the profoundly precarious, over-looked, crucial and mundane.

One of a series of blissful CRUMB workshops for ISEA and other festivals, these events always offer a nice cup of tea and a sit down, some culturally relevant cookies, and a
chance to network and reflect. The audience will be thoroughly
involved, and tea/coffee and biscuits will be provided.


On PARTICIPATORY PRACTICES
Thur 27 August 3-4.30pm. Interface, Belfast
Hosted by Beryl Graham and Dominic Smith

Using the Polytechnic Random Information Exchange (ptechnic.org), this workshop uses online and object-based information exchange in order to document a range of knowledge concerning participatory art projects. Are there recipes for successful participation?

Invited Guests:
Kerstin Mey (University of Ulster), Anne Nigten (The Patching Zone).


On PROTECTIVE ZONES
Fri 28 August 3-4.30pm. Linen Hall Library, Belfast
Hosted by Verina Gfader and Axel Lapp

A discussion of curating with/in "zones of disturbance" (instead of working on z.o.d.), and the outer and inner spaces of curating. Is curating always a 'protective zone', working within an established territory? A Daily Paper will be produced at this event. The print media connects early forms of announcement and channels of distribution, such as the pamphlet, to current modes of circulation.

Invited Guests:
Simon Cutts (Coracle Press), Neal McDonald (microculture.net), Pol McLernon, Barbara Rauch (University of the Arts London/Ontario College of Art & Design), Pam Skelton (Central Saint Martins College), Kate Southworth (glorious ninth).


On THE LOCAL-GLOBAL
Sat 29 August 3-4.30pm. Golden Thread Gallery, Belfast
Hosted by Sarah Cook and Axel Lapp

A conversation between curators, bringing together contemporary art and new media art concerning local/global practices.

Invited Guests:
Peter Richards (Golden Thread Gallery, Gallery Director)
Kwong Lee (Castlefield Gallery, Manchester)
Local Time - Alex Montieth and Natalie Robertson (Auckland, NZ)

These events are funded by Arts Council England.