TechFocus III: Caring for Software-based Art. Sept. 25-26, 2015

DESCRIPTION

The Electronic Media Group of the American Institute for Conservation, the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum and the Foundation of the American Institute for the Conservation of Historic and Artistic Works (FAIC) are pleased to announce a new two-day workshop: TechFocus III: Caring for Software-based Art.

Software-based artworks have been gradually entering collections over the past three decades. However, the preservation of this medium has proved challenging for collection caretakers due to its relative scarcity and perceived complexity. 

The purpose of the workshop is to spotlight this emerging conservation practice, build on a number of existing research initiatives, and respond to an acknowledged desire from the community to expand its understanding of software-based art and its preservation strategies.
TechFocus III is designed to educate conservators, curators, archivists and other collection professionals about how software is employed by different artists, looking at its functionality and aesthetics through case studies. These will also cover topics such as documentation, acquisition, artist’s code, display and strategies for long-term preservation. There will be a practical software exercise for participants to provide insight into some of the basic technical aspects. 

It is hoped that the program will raise awareness and advance the development of standards and best practice in the care and conservation of this new genre of artwork. Moreover, the workshop will provide a forum for professionals to gather and debate these emerging preservation strategies on an international level.

ABOUT TECHFOCUS

The TechFocus workshop series is organized by the AIC’s Electronic Media Group to provide detailed technical education in the preservation of media art. Launched on the 10th anniversary of the groundbreaking TechArchaeology symposium that was held at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art in 2000, TechFocus offers in-depth instruction in a broad range of media. Each workshop, hosted by a different institution, is dedicated to one specific media-art technology. A systematic lecture program, delivered by international experts, introduces workshop participants to the technology behind these artworks, and offers real-world guidelines for their preservation.
The TechFocus website offers videos of presentations made at past workshops.

Please visit: http://cool.conservation-us.org/cool/techfocus



TECHFOCUS III PLANNING COMMITTEE:
Helen Bailey, Christine Frohnert, Agathe Jarczyk, Mona Jimenez, Kate Lewis, Joanna Phillips, Eric Pourchot and Martha Singer.



REGISTRATION

•    Regular Registration Fee: $180 AIC members; $250 non-AIC members; students $80 (must send proof of student status to courses@conservation-us.org)
•    AFTER August 20, 2015 - Late Registration Fee: $200 AIC members; $300 non-AIC members; students $100 (must send proof of student status to courses@conservation-us.org)

Register online for this event here:  www.conservation-us.org/TechFocus3