VAF Digital Art Symposium: Engagement and Research as Dynamic Forces for Artistic Expression

The VAF Digital ArtSymposium, hosted by PLASTIC Collective in collaboration with theViborg Animation Festival (VAF), brings together distinguished artists and researchers toexplore the multifaceted realms of engagement and research in digital art and animation.Led by producer Lana Tankosa Nikolic and creative director Martina Scarpelli, this eventpromises to be a profound exploration of how artistic expression can be a dynamic force forinnovation, collaboration, and societal impact.

Schedule

9:00 AM – 10:15 AM: Engagement in Animation and Digital Art

In conversation with four digital artists, we delve into the concept of engagement in animation and digital art. This segment highlights:

• Engagement as a Space of Collaboration: Artists and audiences co-create narratives, fostering mutual interaction and evolving stories.
• Engagement as a Call to Action: Immersive experiences that stimulate long-term shifts in perspectives.
• Engagement as Participation: Encouraging active visitor contribution, deepening their connection to the artwork and its themes.

Speakers:

Total Refusal: A pseudo-Marxist media guerrilla group that repurposes video games to uncover political undercurrents within mainstream media textures.

Leon Butler: A visual narrative designer and filmmaker exploring adaptive interactions, generative typography, and immersive experiences using data-driven methodologies.

Mads Vadsholt: A game designer with a passion for sound design, VR, and interactive experiences.

Moderator:

Jürgen Hagler: A veteran in animation and digital arts, Jürgen is a researcher, professor, curator, and festival director whose expertise has significantly shaped the field.

10:15 AM – 10:45 AM: Break

10:45 AM – 12:00 PM: Artistic Research in Animation: A Panel Discussion

Join us for an in-depth panel discussion with Sune Petersen and Matej Rot, moderated by Alex Widdowson. This segment explores the intersection of technology, science, and creativity in shaping contemporary digital art and animation.