[artinfo] (fwd)public_media_space, Yerevan, Armenia

[Janos Sugar]

______________________________________________

public_media_space
Media Art Festival, Yerevan, Armenia

Deadline for the submission is June 25, 2004
______________________________________________


According to the Habermas' definition of public space, it is a place 
where the citizens can discuss issues without state's interference, 
in other words, it is a space which functions only if there is free 
speech and freedom of expression.
But what if this concepts are not functioning? Where will the public 
space disappear? In Soviet times kitchen became a place where 
underground discussions were going on and the alternative thought was 
formed. So, kitchen became public space (if we follow the definition 
of Habermas). Nowdays, media claims having the role of bringing out 
an alternative discourse and for being a carrier of democracy and 
civic values. So, media became a virtual public space. What will 
happen when the physical public spaces (squares, parks, etc.) collide 
with virtual public spaces (media art, media communication -TV, 
Radio, Internet, Mobile)? Will they confront each other or co-exist 
peacefully bringing mobility and activating the urban life. The works 
will be displayed on digital screens in cafes and major public 
squares in Yerevan as well as they will be projected on buildings. 
This is an attempt to redefine public space, which is commercialised 
and overloaded with advertisements, and with the help of virtual 
public space (media) to create an open space for discussions and 
communication.
The International media festival Public-Media-Space invites media 
artists and theories to meditate over these issues. The media art 
festival will take place at the Armenian Center for Contemporary 
Experimental Art (NPAK in Armenian acronym) in Yerevan from July 23rd 
to  August 1st  ,  2004.

We hope with your cooperation and assistance to extend this festival 
in the future.

ACCEA has a large space, with exhibition halls, work studios and two 
stages for theatre and movie screening, in addition to these we have 
a variety of equipment; projectors, TVs, computers. All of these will 
be available depending on use. We can provide you with assistance and 
some working materials. In order to involve the public and to 
contribute to the dissemination of information on World trends in 
art, digital works will be displayed in public and out-of-exhibition 
spaces (outdoor cinemas, digital advertising billboards, giant screen 
in the Independence Square (in front of the Opera House) etc. in 
Yerevan. The festival will include a symposium with participation of 
Armenian and international media art theorists.

Submission Requirements for artists

1) Personal Information: name, postal address, e-mail address, 
telephone, fax and short CV.
2) A brief description of your work/project in Armenia (approximately 
300 words).
3) Technical requirements/ Media.

Submission Requirements for theorists

1) Personal Information: name, postal address, e-mail address, 
telephone, fax and short CV.
2) outline of the proposed topic that will be presented during the symposium.

The deadline for the submission is June 25, 2004. Materials can be 
sent via post or e-mail. (All texts should be in Microsoft Word, 
pictorial materials in JPG, TIFF, GIF or MPG formats).
You will be notified about whether your work is accepted or not by 
1st  July, 2004.

You are highly encouraged to apply and attend the festival 
personally. Unfortunately,  ACCEA is not providing travel grants for 
international participants. You are responsible for your own travel 
costs.
However, if you can not attend the festival personally, we would be 
glad to accept your work and to display it during the festival.

For additional information please do not hesitate to contact us, or 
visit our website; www.accea.org
        Sincerely;
Angela Harutyunian
Curator and the project coordinator of the festival,
Armenian Center for Contemporary Experimental Art,
1/3Pavstos Biuzand Blvd., Yerevan, Armenia
Tel.: (+3741) 56.82.25
accea at netsys.am , accea at accea.org

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_______________________
Mirjam Struppek
Urban Research
www.interactionfield.de