Subtle Technologies 2009: Networks :: June 10 - 14, 2009 :: Toronto, Canada (discounted passes available until May 11).

In the past year we have witnessed the rapid decline of the worlds economy. Our lives are networked at an unprecedented level. From the global economy to the way we communicate networks touch our lives daily. This year Subtle Technologies will investigate networks from diverse points of view. Artist’s, designers and scientists come together and share their work, insights and techniques over 5 days and evenings. Some of the highlights include:

A 2-day workshop on using open source software for producing and streaming audio and video content. Participants will learn how to use APODIO, a Gnu/ Linux multimedia distribution developed by the workshop instructor Julien Ottavi. This workshop is presented in partnership with the Ontario College of Art and Design.

A 3-day Symposium with presentations by artists and scientists on a variety of topics such as hacker networks, community based wireless networks, viral networks, biochemical networks, social networks, neural networks, collaboration networks etc.

An evening of performance featuring War Mail by Jeremy Bailey; a networked performance in Second Life by Second Front; The Pauline Oliveros / Ione / Chris Chafe trio in networked performance; and Ukiyo - Moveable World by Johannes Birringer.

This year Subtle Technologies partners with Luminato to present a conversation between physicist/ author Lee Smolin, theatre director Marianne Weems and mathematician/playwright John Mighton. The discussion will delve into the art and a science of our networked lives.

An exhibition entitled Transmute features two “mixed reality” projects that explore the economic and cultural intersection of Second Life and the bio-world. The works are by artists Lynne Heller and duo Scott Kildall and Victoria Scott. This exhibition is Co-Presented by the University of Toronto Art Centre.

A networking party featuring a premier performance of 10 Tenori-On’s. The Tenori-On has been dubbed the “new digital musical instrument of the 21st Century”. It will be an interesting evening of music and mingling.