A journey through the realms of blockchain, AI, AR, VR, and NFTs to provide a diverse palette for artists to expand their creative toolkit and explore new horizons.
The digiArt Art+Tech Conference 2023 was held from November 24th to November 30, 2023, with over 300 attendees attending various talks throughout the week with approx 17 speakers and 25 workshops and talks.
The conference was a hybrid mix both in-person and virtual, offered artists a unique platform for engaging with contemporary digital tools and trends. This year's conference could not happen without the support the Canada Council for the Arts, Fineline Coop, OCAD U CO, StickerBeat, Artcryption, Art Identification Standard. We also thanks our amazing speakers who contributed their expertise and knowledge to this conference.
Government's Consultation on Copyright & Generative AI
The conference also served as a platform for gathering feedback on the government consultation on copyright and generative AI, with the survey available at https://copyright-ai.paperform.co/. Sam La France of OCAD U CO Culture & Policy Hub created an ISED Consultation toolkit to assist with artist participation in the government consultations.
Replays
For those who missed the live sessions or wish to revisit them, replays are available at conference.digiart.ca.
Key Highlights from the Conference:
Kelly McCray’s review of artists on the edge of innovative technologies provided a comprehensive look into the future of art, highlighted by discussions on the works of:
Matthew Borrett: Showcasing how 3D and VR can create surreal architectural cityscapes, transforming spaces into narratives.
Claudia Hart: Merging art, tech, and critical theory, Claudia crafted immersive virtual environments, redefining the essence of storytelling through technology.
Lorna Mills: Pushing the envelope with GIFs, Lorna offered a new medium for artists to express dynamism and narrative.
Jenn E Norton: Jenn’s interactive installations merged art and technology, inviting viewers into a participatory experience of creation.
Dan Tapper: Using sound and radio tech, Dan captured the unseen, creating sonic VR experiences that transcend the conventional.
Stephen Boyd: Stephen’s pioneering work in generative art melded the realms of technology and creativity, setting new benchmarks for artists.
Michael Jonsson: His integration of NFTs and AI presented new avenues for technological infusion in art.
Evergon: As a trailblazer in photography and digital expression, Evergon's work remains a touchstone for artists exploring the digital medium.
Innovative Tech Tools for Artists: Supported by Fineline, this foundational session equipped artists with an array of AI, NFTs, VR, and AR tools, promising to expand their creative vistas in the digital age.
The Evolving Landscape of AI in Art with Governor-General recipient, Evergon: Evergon’s thought-provoking discourse highlighted AI's transformative influence in art, merging the old with the new in an artistic symphony.
Generative AI and Artistic Creation Workshop with Carlos Garavito: This hands-on workshop opened the door to the limitless potential of AI, guiding artists to new horizons of creative expression.
Mastering AI-Powered Character Creation with Michael Jonsson:Artists were provided with advanced techniques to create vivid, AI-powered characters, pushing the boundaries of digital storytelling.
3D Animation and VR with Claudia Hart: Claudia’s expertise in 3D animation and VR provided a practical toolkit for artists to craft immersive and interactive experiences.
Blockchain and Art DIDs: Our discussions delved into the practical applications of blockchain in art, empowering artists with tools for secure authentication and monetization of their work.
Curating the Digital Frontier:Alfredo Cramerotti, Auronda Scalera, and others shared their insights on the expanding role of digital curating in today’s art world.
Candice Dan’s "Redefining Art with Virtual Reality & The Metaverse" opened our eyes to the boundless possibilities of immersive digital worlds and their impact on artistic expression.
CIRCLE FOUR's session on "AI Face Detection in Art: Identity & Surveillance" navigated the complex interplay between technology and personal identity, raising poignant discussions on privacy and digital autonomy.
Alex Mayhew's "The Evolving Role of AR in Art" workshopdemonstrated the enriching influence of AR in bridging the gap between virtual creations and real-world experiences.
Stephen Bliss's Evolution of Fear City: Stephen Bliss’s captivating narrative on expanding his IP into various digital mediums, including the Metaverse, inspired artists to think beyond traditional boundaries.
Web3 Guide for Artists by Alex Di Giovanni: Alex provided a strategic roadmap for artists venturing into the Web3 space, full of practical advice and forward-thinking strategies.
Crypto for Artists by Antoine De Vuyst: Antoine’s session simplified the world of cryptocurrency, highlighting its importance for secure, global transactions in the art market.
