STARTS Talks #1

@ DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum

STARTS Talks is a series of presentations and discussions that bring together prominent practitioners and speakers to present their work and vision on the interactions between Science, Technology and the ARTS. The first edition of STARTS Talks takes place at the DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin with presentations and contributions by Garnet Hertz (Disobedient Electronics, Critical Making), Kristoffer Gansing (transmediale), Heinrich Eisele (Design Strategie VOLKSWAGEN GROUP) and STARTS Prize nominee Philippe Bertrand (BeAnotherLab).

It is a long established fact the innovation is at the core of competitive economy and at the core of an open and meaningful society. Focusing only on scientific and technological skills is no longer sufficient. The arts are gaining a more prominent role in finding solutions to these challenges. Critical skills are needed for innovation to be realized and of value for society – skills such as creativity rooted in artistic practice.

The expertise and practice of artists can directly drive and influence innovation and technology. Artists offer new, critical perspectives, inspire new directions and act as catalyst for a successful and socially responsible transformation of technologies.

In this edition of the STARTS Talks the focus is on how the critical perspectives of the arts can inspire new directions in socially responsible transformation. The setting of the STARTS talk is included into the exhibition of Ars Electronica Linz, that is currently on display at DRIVE. Volkswagen Group Forum in Berlin.

Programme Wednesday October 18, 2017

19.00 Doors open
19.30 Presentation by Garnet Hertz
20:00 Presentation by Phillippe Bertrand from BeAnotherLab
20:20 Roundtable discussion with Kristoffer Gansing, Garnet Hertz, Heinrich Eisele, Philippe Bertrand. Moderated by Marleen Stikker.
21.00 Conclusions and drinks

Free entrance

Profile speakers

• Garnet Hertz is a Canadian artist and academic. Hertz is known for his electronic artworks and for his research in the area of critical making.
• Phillippe Bertrand interdisciplinary artist, investigator, activist from BeAnotherLab.
• Kristoffer Gansing is the artistic director of transmediale, festival for art and digital culture in Berlin.
• Heinrich Eisele is creative strategist, manager and designer of the Design Strategy Department of Volkswagen Group.
• Marleen Stikker is president and co-founder of Waag Society, institute for art, science and technology in Amsterdam.

STARTS Talks bring prominent practitioners and speakers in combination with STARTS Prize winners, honorary mentions and nominees to present their work and vision on the interactions between science, technology and the arts, its pitfalls and challenges.

The STARTS Prize aims to showcase and celebrate visions and achievements at the interface between innovation and creation. The European Commission’s STARTS Prize initiative is designed to spotlight people and projects that have the potential to make a sustainable positive impact on Europe’s economic, technological, social and ecological future. The competition seeks innovative projects at the nexus of science, technology and the arts.

STARTS Talks are part of the STARTS Prize activities and the STARTS initiative of the EU. STARTS Prize and STARTS Talks are coordinated by Ars Electronica Linz, BOZAR and Waag Society, supported by the European Commission.