Ethics and politics of media and technology tackled in week long programme of free events

Following the rise of unprecedented activism and political protests in the past year, Inter/sections 2017 explores how artists and technologists use different networks, databases, and systems to raise awareness of ethical and political issues around technologies.

Now in its second year, it will take place from 3 – 8 September 2017 at The Art Pavilion in Clinton Road, Mile End Park.

Media and Arts Technology (MAT) at Queen Mary University of London (QMUL) invite attendees to engage with topics ranging from the ethics of data privacy to the political effects of social media.

Workshops and talks with artists and technology activists will question how current political systems impact evolving technologies and introduce ways that technology can subvert them.  

The programme includes:

• An exhibition of interactive artwork (Sunday 3 September - Friday 8 September, 10am - 6pm), featuring a new commission by Will Hurt and artworks by Yosuke Ushigome and Anna Ridler
• A family-friendly Cryptoparty (Sunday 3 September, 2pm - 5pm), featuring a make-your-own-cipher Spy Corner for children and technology experts to introduce tools to protect your data and handle online surveillance, identity theft and online harassment
• A hands-on workshop for artists interested in working with technology (Monday 4 September, 2pm - 5pm), led by commissioned artist Will Hurt and including talks by several curated artists
• An all-day symposium (Friday 8 September, 10am - 6:30pm followed by a wrap party) featuring: keynotes from Dr Stephen Minger (genetics and bio-hacking) and Dr Dan McQuillan (ethics of machine learning) as well as a workshop on art, ethics and technology, run by Evelyn Wilson, co-director of TCCE
• A panel discussion on Work Ethics in the Age of Automation, touching on themes from ethical work practices in technology to the rise of sex robots, chaired by Jacqueline de Rojas (president of techUK), will close Inter/sections on Friday 8 September (5:30pm - 6:30pm)

Inter/sections is supported by the EPSRC+AHRC Media and Arts Technology CDT, Queen Mary University of London, and the EPSRC Digital Economy Network.

More information

• A detailed programme can be downloaded here
• Website link: https://intersections.io/index.html
• The exhibition launch party will take place Monday 4 September, 6 - 8pm. Please email info@intersections.io to RSVP.

For media information, contact: