FACT Programme

Martha Rosler in Conversation

Fri, 18 Jul 2008 15:59:30 +0000

Presenting Anton Vidokle and Paul Domela discussing the work of Martha Rosler on the 12th April 2008. By LJUM Site in Collaboration with Liverpool Biennial, e-Flux and FACT TV.

Martha Rosler in Conversation - with Simon Sheikh

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 11:55:38 +0000

Presenting Simon Sheikh discussing the work of Martha Rosler on the 13th May 2008. By LJUM Site in Collaboration with Liverpool Biennial, e-Flux and FACT TV.

Martha Rosler vs Centre of Attention

Tue, 12 Aug 2008 15:32:51 +0000

Presenting John Byrne, with Gary O'Dwyer and Pierre Coinde from Centre of Attention, discussing the work Martha Rosler Library on the 15th May 2008. LJMU Site in Collaboration with Liverpool Biennial, e-Flux and FACT TV.

Martha Rosler with Mike Stubbs

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 09:33:11 +0000

Mike Stubbs, professor and director of FACT, discusses the work of Martha Rosler. LJMU Site in Collaboration with Liverpool Biennial, e-Flux and FACT TV.

Martha Rosler in Conversation

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 13:55:02 +0000

Presenting Shepherd Steiner and Maria Hlavajova, discussing the work Martha Rosler Library on the 2nd June 2008. LJMU Site in Collaboration with Liverpool Biennial, e-Flux and FACT TV.

Breakfast with Al and Al

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:32:03 +0000

Al and Al talk with Jude Kelly at FACT in April 2008, about their artistic practice, their latest work 'Eternal Youth', the significance of the colour blue and the impact of technology on culture and society at large.

Al and Al in conversation with Norman M Klein

Wed, 13 Aug 2008 17:45:48 +0000

Al and Al in conversation with Norman M Klein at FACT in April 2008.

Maywa Denki

Fri, 15 Aug 2008 14:37:53 +0000

Based on the small electrical stores that supported Japan's economic boom 40 years ago, Maywa Denki have been inventing their own artistic creations and promoting them through live performance, writing and merchandising toys.

This workshop with Nobumichi Tosa, President of Maywa Denki, explores their electrical world for a humorous lesson in manufacturing and conceiving ideas, including demonstrations of their interactive art objects, nonsense toys and robots. This event took place in The Box at FACT, on the 7th June.

Stelarc - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:40:41 +0000

Documentation of Stelarc presenting his current and previous works at the sk-interfaces conference.

Jens Hauser - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 11:57:25 +0000

Documentation of Jens Hauser's presenting his paper on betweenness and the liminality as part of the Sk-interfaces conference. Jens Hauser curated sk-interfaces at FACT.

Claudia Benthien - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:03:12 +0000

Documentation of Claudia Benthien's exhibited work as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

Stéphane Dumas - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:16:02 +0000

Documentation of Stéphane Dumas presenting his paper Creative Skin: The Return of Marsyas as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

Maurice Benayoun - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:20:43 +0000

Documentation of Maurice Benayoun presenting his paper Memory Skin & Eraser Gaze as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

Jill Scott - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:23:28 +0000

Documentation of Jill Scott presenting her paper e-Skin: Research into wearable interfaces, cross-modal perception and communication for the visually impaired on the mediated stage, as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

Richard Cavell - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:32:51 +0000

Documentation of Richard Cavell presenting his paper McLuhan and the Body as Medium, as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

Denis Noble - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 12:34:45 +0000

Documentation of Denis Noble presenting his paper 'The Music of Life', as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

Oron Catts - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:44:40 +0000

Documentation of Oron Catts presenting his paper '(Tissue Culture & Art project), The Techno-scientific Body - A Body Without Skin' for the sk-interfaces conference.

Kira O'Reilly - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:46:59 +0000

Documentation of Kira O'Reilly presenting her paper 'Skinned from the macro to the micro: Fleshy interventions within, without and beside the epithelium' as part of the sk-interface conference.

ORLAN - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:49:44 +0000

Documentation of ORLAN presenting her paper 'Harlequin Coat (Le Manteau d' Arlequin)' as part of the sk-interface conference.

Nicole Karafyllis - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 13:55:27 +0000

Documentation of Nicole Karafyllis presenting her paper, 'Towards a Philosophy of Biofacts and Hybrids', as part of the sk-interface conference.

Marion Laval-Jeantet of Art Orienté objet - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:00:35 +0000

Documentation of Marion Laval-Jeantet (Art Orienté objet) presenting her paper, 'Fusional Haptics and Artist's Skin Cultures', as part of the sk-interface conference.

Neal White & Nicolas Langlitz (Office of Experiments) - sk-interfaces Conference

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 14:04:25 +0000

Documentation of Neal White & Nicolas Langlitz (The Office of Experiments) presenting their paper 'Truth Serum Threat: Notes on Psychopharmacology of Truthfulness' as part of the sk-interfaces conference.

AL and AL In Beijing

Wed, 27 Aug 2008 16:38:40 +0000

Documentary about the installation process of Eternal Youth by AL and AL 2008 at Synthetic Times in Beijing. Commissioned by FACT.

Sensors Sonics Sights

Thu, 18 Sep 2008 12:35:39 +0000

An audio-visual performance by SSS (Sensors Sonics Sights) using movement, distance and touch to generate sound. Part the closing events for FACT's Sk-interfaces exhibition.

FACT Online Archive

Wed, 24 Sep 2008 16:10:58 +0000

A look at FACT's Online Archive that was launched in 2007, hosting a collection of works from the Video Positive Festivals 1989 - 2000.

The Toybox- Clive Gillman

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:38:08 +0000

Over the last 3-4 years, new technology has offered us the opportunity to create artworks that defy all existing forms, to exist in the nether world of computer space. Using the tools of multimedia production we can build vast webs of information and media which can be explored at will by anyone with access to a computer.

Artists have always claimed that their work is interactive in some form, but for the first time it is possible to create cheap original distributable objects that can be prodded, twisted and navigated by the viewer. It is from this realisation that THE TOYBOX project was developed.

Commissioned by Moviola with support from Arts Council of England (Visual Arts Publications) for VP95.

Nosey Parker - Julie Myers

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:39:45 +0000

Nosey Parker is an on-line theatre in which people can manipulate events, characters and plot by selecting from a series of multiple choice options, or feed their own solutions and opinions into the storyline.

The screen acts as a stage with actors, props, sound effects, dialogue and costume, all waiting in the wings to be called into the action. Imitating the voyeuristic quality of the internet, Nosey Parker collects experiences, household objects, accessories and everyday conversations from real people and weaves them into a series of interactive plays. Based on a mixture of pantomime and farce the user navigates around the play by peeping into the props cupboard, changing costume and swapping thespian innuendo with the stage door Johnny.

Commissioned by FACT.
Financially supported by the Arts Council of England.

Rehearsal of Memory - Graham Harwood

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:41:23 +0000

An interactive programme in which a fictitious personality has been skin scanned, interfacing the diverse experiences of the patients and staff involved. A direct and disquieting work which challenges preconceived views of 'sanity' and social segregation.

Unauthorised Access: it is no accident that social control reproduces itself into technological forms. The reduction of information to binary representation leads to a levelling process of data, where that information can be psychological profiles, battle tactics or credit card details. Here number crunching produces an image of anonymity through its incomprehension to humans at machine level. We take no responsibility for the way data-bases collate information.

Commissioned by Moviola for VP95 Collaboration Programme with support from North West Arts Board.

Victimless Leather

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:47:19 +0000

This documentary covers the process of growing three miniature leather jackets without the means for killing animals.

Victimless leather, the work of Oron Catts and Ionat Zurr was part of FACT's Sk-interfaces exhibition. The work addresses the moral implications of wearing parts of dead animals for protective and aesthetical reasons, and raises ethical questions about the exploitation and manipulation of other living beings, examining the validity of technological promises promoted as a solution to resolve them.

Extra Ear

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 18:52:02 +0000

This documentary looks at the motivation and surgical process through which Stelarc had an ear-shaped scaffold and communication device implanted and constructed on his forearm.

The extra ear is, in the artist's words, a prosthesis that is not seen as 'a sign of lack but rather as a symptom of excess'. As technology proliferates and microminiturizes it becomes biocompatable and is incorporated into bodies that perform beyond the boundaries of their skin.

In his work Stelarc explores the relationship of the body with technology through interfaces using prosthetics, robotics, VR, the internet and biotechnology.

Midas

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 19:38:06 +0000

In this video installation, Paul Thomas explores the idea of King Midas who had the ability to turn objects into gold through touch.

This work was part of the Sk-interfaces exhibition in early 2008, the first part of FACT's exploration into 'Human Futures'.

Hymnext

Thu, 25 Sep 2008 20:06:36 +0000

Unisex 'designer hymens' are sculpted from the artist's own vaginal cells; they are designed to symbolically re-virginize repeatedly. The hynNext Project questions the traditional value of virginity in certain cultures at a time when the symbolic tissue can be easily re-created and implanted. Each hymen or set has a specific motif or symbolism.

The biotechnological sculptures are intended for sale to art collectors as novelty items presented in a ceremonial box. Also on view are sterile feeding appliances, flow hood and nutrient media, all part of the creative ritual.

Julia Reodica is a medial artist whose work raises questions at the threshold of art, science and cultural value systems.

Michael Bell Smith - Glitter Glade/ Glitter Bend

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 14:07:44 +0000

Video artist Michael Bell Smith discusses his works 'Glitter Glade' and 'Glitter Bend' that make use of conspicuously lo-fi digital aspects.

Colour of Sin: HeadCase Version (2005)

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 15:36:29 +0000

Lisa Reihana talks about her work 'Colour of Sin: HeadCase Version' (2005), an audio installation created inside 1970s hair dryers.

Terrence Handscomb

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 12:47:42 +0000

Terrence Handscomb talks about his video installation work at FACT, as part of the Liverpool Biennial 2008.

South Pacific - Stella Brennan

Thu, 09 Oct 2008 16:53:00 +0000

Stella Brennan discusses her work 'South Pacific', an audio visual installation that combines ultrasound images of downed aircraft with text based on the nuclear bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. The work is exhibited at FACT as part of the Liverpool Biennial 2008.

Land - Ulf Langheinrich

Mon, 20 Oct 2008 17:01:37 +0000

International artist Ulf Langheinrich talks about his latest work 'Land', a 3D audio visual installaion exhibited in Gallery 1 at FACT for the 2008 Liverpool Biennial.

Unsustainable Futures - Human Futures Symposium

Mon, 03 Nov 2008 09:17:35 +0000

Steve Fuller, Andy Miah, and Ernest Edmonds discuss the future of humanity at the Human Futures Symposium, at FACT in October 2008. Overview and summary by Nicola Triscott.

We exist in a world of tremendous technological development, but also of looming economic crisis. What is the future for humanity given these seemingly incompatible trends? Looking towards FACT's programme in 2009, panel members from both sides of the Atlantic consider what are the compelling issues of our time, drawing together ideas presented throughout the day.

Should we spend time investing into the exploration of outer space when basic energy requirements are becoming unsustainable on present-day technology? How can our investment into nanotechnology or the new science of synthetic biology translate into greater optimism for those who benefit least from high- tehchnology?

Envisioning the Future - Human Futures Symposium

Tue, 04 Nov 2008 15:21:03 +0000

'Envisioning the Future' is a discussion with Norman M. Klein, Russel Blackford and Justina Robson, at the Human Futures Symposium at FACT in October 2008. Presented by Steve Fuller.

Visions of humanity are present throughout the history of science and science fiction. Their journeys articulate humanity's aspiration to transcend known boundaries. Our Visions session interrogates the capacity to assert visions about the future of humanity.

Russel Blackford is a leading science fiction writer and philosopher from Melbourne Australia, author of many of the Terminator Chronicles and pioneering voice within the transhuman community. Norman M. Klein is an internationally renowned cultural critic based in Los Angeles. Together they consider how we should approach visionaries and imaginations of the future for humanity.

Mike Stubbs In Conversation

Mon, 17 Nov 2008 16:13:46 +0000

Director of FACT Mike Stubbs talks about FACT, his life and career.

Fragmented Orchestra

Wed, 19 Nov 2008 21:38:09 +0000

An introductory film and preview to The Fragmented Orchestra - a key work in the DING>>D0NG show, December 12th 2008 - February 22nd 2009.

FACT presents the world premiere of The Fragmented Orchestra, winners of the PRS Foundation’s New Music Award 2008. Artist Jane Grant, composer-musician-physicist John Matthias and BAFTA winning composer-sound designer Nick Ryan have created a work that mirrors the function of the human brain and the way it processes sound. 24 neuron ‘units’ are placed across the UK in locations chosen for their inherent sonic rhythms. A microphone picks up elemental or human made sound at each location and, connected together over the internet, these microphones create a neural network leading back to FACT. 24 speakers in the gallery allow visitors to listen to the collective sounds from each site around the country and their interaction with each other. An evolving piece, ‘The Fragmented Orchestra’ mimics the ebb and flow of rhythm through the human brain; sound heard at FACT is continuously transmitted back to the 24 neuron units, allowing listeners there to hear how their own input changes the piece’s composition.

http://www.thefragmentedorchestra.com/

Night Of The Owl

Sat, 22 Nov 2008 04:54:22 +0000

SoundNetwork and Castlefield Gallery's Project Space presented an evening of sound performances at AFoundation, curated by the Owl Project.

During the summer of 2008 the Owl Project worked with musiciansLeafcutter John, Kaffe Matthews and Thor Magnusson (IXI Software) to develop a range of new wooden instruments for live performance. Night of the Owl will be a chance to see and hear some of the first results of this collaboration as well as other classic Owl Project instruments such as ilogs and log1Ks. Including performances from legendary turntablist and artist Philip Jeck, SoundNetwork member Tim Lambert and field recordist Simon Whetham.

Owlproject / Philip Jeck / Tim Lambert / Simon Whetham / Cartwright & Jordan / Gregory Byatt

http://www.owlproject.com
http://www.ixi-software.net
http://www.soundnetwork.org.uk

Truth Serum - The Office of Experiments

Tue, 25 Nov 2008 12:15:25 +0000

The Office of Experiments, with Neal White, is a documentary about a mysterious experiment.

Camera by Amy Goring
Edited by Mike Donaghy
Commissioned by The Arts Catalyst in partnership with FACT Liverpool

Funded by The Arts Council England

Pipilotti Rist

Wed, 26 Nov 2008 12:51:37 +0000

One of the world’s most celebrated contemporary artists considers the human condition - from a conspicuously female position.

FACT’s 2008 Human Futures: my world programme features the UK debut of Pipilotti Rist's work 'Gravity Be My Friend'. With a trademark sensual slickness, her work explores ideas of fearlessness, the body, nature and spirituality. Merging her own childhood diminutive name Lotti to that of her hero Pippi Longstocking, Elisabeth Charlotte Rist embraced the irreverence and exuberance of Astrid Lindgren’s fictional character as an alternative feminine model for her own artistic practice. No act of subversion is so strong that it disrupts the whole – and yet her work is as disturbing as it is playful.

Terence Davies in Conversation

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 16:52:10 +0000

One of Liverpool's most famous film-makers speaks at FACT.

Terence Davies visited FACT to talk about his latest film, Of Time and the City. In an extraordinary, emotional interview he speaks about the making of the film and about his relationship with the city of his birth.

Human Futures & Unsustainability

Tue, 09 Dec 2008 16:53:54 +0000

Laura Sillars and Heather Corcoran talk at the end of the Human Futures Symposium 2008 about the future of the human mind, body and world; and the sustainability of life.

DING>>D0NG Trailer

Thu, 11 Dec 2008 17:21:00 +0000

Let your body become a drum; control virtual instruments with gamepads; turn the country into a distributed orchestra; map a city with sound; hear a building sing; reflect on the making of electricity and swap your usual mp3 player for a wooden one...

The Audible Picture Show with Matt Hulse

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 11:56:20 +0000

The Audible Picture Show is a selection of audio works made to be experience within a cinema space. Curator of the show, filmmaker and sound artist Matt Hulse, tells us about the idea behind the sound works, what he was looking for from the open submissions and gives us a sneek peek into one of the works 'Figment - Epiphany of Rubber', by Helena Gough.

Life After Death in the 21st Century - Human Futures Symposium

Mon, 15 Dec 2008 16:50:53 +0000

'Life After Death in the 21st Century' is a talk with Paul Brown, Linda Candy, Mike Stubbs and Michel Zai, at the Human Futures Symposium at FACT in October 2008. Chaired by Ernest Edmonds.

In this session we have key pioneers in the exploration of art and science discussing the latest work of etoy. CORPORATION, Mission Eternity. In a time when scientists are beginning to find ways of extending life beyond known limits, the prospect of immortality comes under greater scrutiny. What does it mean to remember people, things, events?

etoy invite our consideration of this quiestion and, in so doing, resist the idea that quiestions of immortality reside solely in the sciencs of cloning, life extension and so on. Their immortality is personal, collaborative and intimate.

mLog Product Launch Steve Symons and Simon Blackmore

Thu, 18 Dec 2008 18:11:12 +0000

Steve Symons and Simon Blackmore launch their new product, the mLog!
Featured in DING>>D0NG, you can now purchase your own mLog kit. Kits
include a place on a course at FACT where you'll learn to assemble it,
solder the components and interface it with software to make noise.

Energy Suite - Interview with the Artists

Tue, 23 Dec 2008 11:17:18 +0000

Interviews with Hambi Haralambous, Peter Saville and Andy McCluskey, creators of the Energy Suite, an innovative collaboration that captures the architecture and sounds of power generating facilties. Introductory interview with Ross Dalziel, curator of the Ding Dong show at FACT.

Electronic music pioneers OMD have had a long association with designer Peter Saville, beginning in 1979 with the band’s first release on Factory Records. In this audio visual installation, McCluskey and Saville return to the iconic images of their youth in the north west - the industrial landscape of power stations embedded in picturesque, pastoral beauty - fulfilling an early ambition of the pair to create what was originally to be a work based on Stanlow Oil Refinery in Cheshire (OMD wrote a song about Stanlow, using ambient sounds recorded in the refinery in 1980).

Energy Suite a collaboration with Saville, McCluskey and video artist Hambi Haralambous, captures the architecture and sounds of five electricity generating power facilities; Heysham Nuclear Power Site, Dinorwig Hydro-Electric Power Station (Electric Mountain), North Hoyle Bank Wind Turbine Farm, Fiddler’s Ferry Coal Fired Power Station, Point of Ayr/Connah’s Quay Gas Terminal and Power Station.

http://www.omd.uk.com

http://www.myspace.com/officialomdmyspace

FACT TV Trailer

Tue, 13 Jan 2009 10:56:26 +0000

Trailer for FACT TV, FACT's new digital online video channel.

www.fact.tv

Ray Lee - Swarm

Wed, 14 Jan 2009 20:24:50 +0000

Artist Ray Lee talks about his work, Swarm, exhibited at FACT as part of the DING>>D0NG exhibition.

Local Bands in the Media Lounge

Tue, 03 Feb 2009 09:44:52 +0000

Members of Merseyside bands aPAtT and the SCCC, local musician Liz Green and producer Chris Green visted the Media Lounge at FACT to experiment with some of the sound works exhibited as part of the DING>>D0NG exhibition!

Bernie Lubell - Etiology of Innocence

Thu, 05 Feb 2009 20:07:17 +0000

A sneak peak of the work of Bernie Lubell, who will be featured in his first solo show in the UK opening at FACT 19 June - 6 September, 2009.

PowerPlant Microresidency

Wed, 11 Feb 2009 16:18:53 +0000

A Recording of PowerPlant's performance in FACT's Media Lounge as part of the DING>>D0NG exhibition.

Bernie Lubell - Conservation of Intimacy

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 15:59:04 +0000

A sneak peak of the work of Bernie Lubell, who will be featured in his first solo show in the UK opening at FACT 19 June - 6 September, 2009.

Simon Reynolds: on the Hardcore Continuum

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 17:05:22 +0000

Illustrated by seminal tracks, revered journalist Simon Reynolds outlines his oft-quoted theory of a 'hardcore-continuum' that links all the UK's rapidly changing electronic music genres.

The talk at FACT was run in association with the Wire Magazine, and part of the Ding Dong exhibition.

SK-INTERFACES Retrospective

Wed, 25 Feb 2009 14:23:33 +0000

A look back at the first exhibition of FACT's 2008 Human Futures programme, SK-INTERFACES.

The exhibition explored materially and metaphorically the idea of skin as a technological interface and featured work from 17 international artists.

Artist Choice: The Fragmented Orchestra - The Life and Music of Iannis Xenakis (1991)

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 15:47:27 +0000

Director Mark Kidel discusses his BBC documentary profile of composer Ianis Xenakis. The film focuses on Xenakis' influences and practice as a mathematician, experimental engineer, architect, theoretician, educator and author.

Xenakis’ numerous approaches, ranged from electronic and acoustical, to orchestral and multi-media performances. He was a true renaissance figure and is regarded as the most important and influential composer of the twentieth century.

Enquire 3 Showcase

Wed, 11 Mar 2009 16:36:16 +0000

Showcasing the collaboration between FACT and LJMU. This project forged partnerships between St Julies Catholic High School, Ormskirk School, Haydock Sports College and New Media Artists Jackie Passmore, Steve Symons and Neil Winterburn.

The project placed trainee teachers, artists and young people at the core of a project. The focus was to encourage and develop new media opportunities for young people in schools and to support teachers of art in developing the curriculum in this area. The project was funded by Enquire.

The Climate for Change PV Card Story!

Thu, 12 Mar 2009 14:58:23 +0000

Climate for Change runs at FACT from 13 March to 31 May. The exhibition looks at the multiple crises facing the Earth - environmental, food, housing and finaniclal all against the backdrop of an economic crisis that has been a long time coming - and asks how do you respond?

The Climate for Change private viewing invite card tells its own story. To save money and energy, the cards were printed on just one side. FACT staff members were called upon for a bit of elbow grease, using rubber stamps to complete the design of the cards. This video tells the story...

Philip Jeck & Vergil Sharkya' live at FACT

Mon, 16 Mar 2009 13:10:43 +0000

Philip Jeck And Vergil Sharkya' performed a solo set each at FACT followed by a duo performance incorporating elements of a new composition for record-players, electronics, guitars, keyboards and dulcimer with careful regard for the expense or debt that they will incur in celebration of the condition of music.

Bernie Lubell - Synapse Singing

Fri, 20 Mar 2009 15:11:14 +0000

A sneak peak of the work of Bernie Lubell, who will be featured in his first solo show in the UK opening at FACT 19 June - 6 September, 2009.

Enquire 3 Animation

Wed, 25 Mar 2009 15:11:26 +0000

Made as part of the Enquire 3 project, this animation was created at St Julie's Catholic High School with Artist Jacqueline Passmore and Caroline Armstrong, Trainee Teacher LJMU.

Roy Stringer Lecture: Lord David Puttnam CBE

Tue, 31 Mar 2009 12:14:02 +0000

Lord David Puttnam CBE, award-winning film producer of Chariots of Fire and The Killing Fields, and President of UNICEF, delivered the second Roy Stringer Lecture at FACT.

Coinciding with FACT's UNsustainable year, the talk examined why, individually and collectively, we need to change our lives to ensure that the UK becomes a truly sustainable society in the 21st century.

Climate for Change: Breakfast with the Artists

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 17:17:15 +0000

Discussion with Climate for Change resident artists Eyebeam.

2008...What a Year!

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 12:11:27 +0000

A commemorative video created by the FACT team to reflect, capture and share the magic of Liverpool’s Capital of Culture year and FACT’s predominant role in it.

Anna Lucas - Kaff Miriam

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:19:17 +0000

Kaff Miriam was one of three major new works that Anna Lucas was commissioned to make for her solo exhibition, Here and Your Here, which ran at FACT from 30 June - 19 August 2007.

Kaff Miriam translates as Hand of Mary and can be found in the deserts of the Middle East. It is an ancient plant - known as the Rose of Jericho - whose bud dry bud can survive many years until enough rain falls and it blooms again.

Anna Lucas - Uña de Gato

Tue, 07 Apr 2009 15:22:50 +0000

Uña de Gato was one of three major new works that Anna Lucas was commissioned to make for her solo exhibition, Here and Your Here, which ran at FACT from 30 June - 19 August 2007.

Lucas’ expedition to find the Uña de Gato plant takes us by boat into the Amazon rainforest, and between the regions of Lima, Pucallpa and Satipo in Peru. Otherwise known as Cats Claw, the plant is named after the curly thorns it uses to hang from its host. Its natural properties are believed to boost the immune system and current research is investigating the herb’s ability to treat illnesses such as cancer and AIDS.

Liverpool Improvisation Collective vs. The Fragmented Orchestra

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 16:48:11 +0000

Dancers including Andrea Buckley, Paula Hampson and Mary Prestidge from the Liverpool Improvisation Collective interpret the Fragmented Orchestra as part of the DING>>D0NG closing events.

Discussion with the Fragmented Orchestra

Thu, 09 Apr 2009 17:13:31 +0000

A talk with the artists of the Fragmented Orchestra about their work.

Roy Stringer Lecture: Q&A with Lord David Puttnam CBE

Mon, 20 Apr 2009 11:32:22 +0000

Lord David Puttnam CBE, award-winning film producer of Chariots of Fire and The Killing Fields, and President of UNICEF, delivered the second Roy Stringer Lecture at FACT.

Following his talk, examining why, individually and collectively, we need to change our lives to ensure that the UK becomes a truly sustainable society in the 21st century, Lord Puttnam took questions from the audience...

All About FACT..!

Tue, 21 Apr 2009 16:23:39 +0000

A look at some of the exhibitions and events that happen at FACT and what the organisation is all about...

Chris Carlsson Interview

Wed, 06 May 2009 11:59:46 +0000

Chris Carlsson is a co-founder of Critical Mass, the monthly worldwide ride for cyclists reclaiming streets, as well as a widely published author.

His newest book Nowtopia was an inspiration for the Climate for Change exhibition - providing a framework for the groups that we've been inviting into FACT by articulating what it is about these networks that make them special.

From his website, "Nowtopia is a book about a new politics of work. It profiles tinkerers, inventors, and improvisational spirits who bring an artistic approach to important tasks that are ignored or undervalued by market society. Rooted in practices that have been emerging over the past few decades, Nowtopia’s exploration of work locates an important thread of self-emancipatory class politics beyond the traditional arena of wage-labor. ".

Curator Heather Corcoran interviews Chris on the Liverpool stop of his recent book tour.

Rear Projection (Molly Parker) By Mark Lewis

Wed, 06 May 2009 16:33:06 +0000

A filmed portrait of Canadian actress Molly Parker ('Titanic' and the television series' 'Deadwood' and 'Six Feet Under') is superimposed on a backdrop of an abandoned restaurant and gas station. Lewis has used the traditional method of studio rear projection to combine the images, a technique commonly used in 1930's and 1940's cinema to 'transport' stars to dangerous or exotic landscapes by filming them in a studio against a backdrop of a previously filmed location.

Shot on Super 35mm film and transfered to video, by Mark Lewis in 2006.

FACT

Wed, 13 May 2009 12:51:25 +0000

A short video about FACT, the UK's Foundation for Art and Creative Technology.

AIDS 3D - Forever

Tue, 19 May 2009 12:11:04 +0000

Berlin-based art duo Nik Kosmas and Daniel Keller (AIDS 3D) unveil Forever, a new installation alluding to a post apocalyptic future where our machines remain as beautiful relics of our former glory.

UNsustainable UNconference - part 1

Wed, 20 May 2009 18:02:03 +0000

The UNsustainable UNconference grew out of FACT’s response to Liverpool’s Year of Environment. Building on the Climate for Change exhibition model of harnessing knowledge from grassroots networks, the UNconference used the knowledge of its audience-participants to sculpt its core programme, focusing on the theme of sustainability across environmental, food, housing and financial areas.

In this first video, FACT Fellow Andy Miah provides an introduction to the day and outlines what the participants can expect. The video then moves into the opening discussions and activities.

UNsustainable UNconference - part 2

Thu, 21 May 2009 12:04:20 +0000

This second video documenting the day's discussions and activities touches on extending scientific and cultural overlap, education and changing our collective bevaiour. It also features a talk from artist Stefan Szczelkun.

UNsustainable UNconference - part 3

Fri, 22 May 2009 17:01:58 +0000

This third installment includes two discussions - one examining Section 60 Special Powers used by Merseyside Police that allow for search without reason and the other focusing on Gaia and artist/scientist collaborations.

UNsustainable UNconference - part 4

Fri, 29 May 2009 10:20:03 +0000

In this fifth video of the event, Climate for Change Curator Heather Corcoran looks at fixed gear cycling, squatting and free and open-source soiftware followed by FACT's Head of Programme Laura Sillars charing a discussion about the Cliamte for Change Manifesto.

Sustainable Fashion Show

Tue, 02 Jun 2009 15:27:59 +0000

On the closing weekend of Climate for Change FACT hosted a fashion extravaganza celebrating the best in sustainable fashion and customisation. The event was a glitzy showcase of vintage, recycled and ethically sourced clothing and accessories from local designers and retailers.

Interview: Bernie Lubell

Mon, 08 Jun 2009 11:06:08 +0000

The UK premiere of San Francisco based artist Bernie Lubell begins at FACT on Friday 19 June.

In this interview, Bernie discusses the upcoming exhibition at FACT, his new work 'A Theory of Entanglement' and what it is to make art.

Bernie Lubell - Four Exhibits in Two Minutes

Mon, 15 Jun 2009 12:03:00 +0000

Beginning Friday (19 June) FACT is delighted to present the first UK exhibition by San Francisco based artist Bernie Lubell.

Constructed from soft, sustainable woods the works on show are adamantly low-tech. They are ill suited to being machines, and hover between functioning and not. The artworks need you to interact with them to make them function, so feel free to pedal, touch, wind and even get inside the artworks! In this video, Bernie demonstrates four of the pieces that will be on display.

The Ghana ThinkTank

Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:02:59 +0000

During the Climate for Change Exhibition, FACT collected problems from local residents and sent them to the Ghana ThinkTank - a globally distributed network of think tanks creating strategies to resolve local problems.

The Ghana ThinkTank is not about broad superlatives or generalized utopias, but uses the power of alternative perspectives to pull solutions from often surprising places. This video looks at thge problems that were addressed during Climate for Change and the solutions that the Ghana ThinkTank provided.

Flying Flapper Instruction Video!

Thu, 09 Jul 2009 16:11:23 +0000

As part as Bernie Lubell's 'A Theory of Entanglement' exhibition at FACT, a Flock of Flyng Flappers is taking over the Media Lounge and Atrium!

You can Come to FACT, make your own Flying Flapper - this video shows you how!

Anthony McCall speaks about Projected Column

Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:27:43 +0000

Projected Column is a slender, sinuous, spinning column of cloud rising into the sky from the surface of the water in the Liverpool Docklands. Extending vertically as far as the eye can see, and visible on a clear day from 20 km away, the column will disappear and re-appear in slow, structured sequences, exploiting the tension between its ephemerality and its monumental scale. A sculptural landmark based on pure energy, Projected Column echoes the dynamism of a city that has recently undergone major cultural and economic development as Capital of Culture in 2008.

The project will be produced by FACT (Foundation for Art and Creative Technology) and Liverpool Biennial.

OMD & The RLPO - Electricity

Wed, 21 Oct 2009 15:17:20 +0000

On June 20 2009, 80’s synth-pioneers Orchestral Manoeuvres in the Dark realised a 30 year dream, backed by the rich resonance of a 75 piece orchestra, the visual majesty of filmmaker Hambi, and the vision of artist Peter Saville.

Set in the opulent and historic setting of Liverpool’s Philharmonic Hall, OMD performed their imposing back catalogue abetted by the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, after collaborative audio-visual installation The Energy Suite received its orchestral premier.
The hit laden set, dripping with classics such as Enola Gay and Joan of Arc, and stuffed with exclusive firsts, such as the primary live outing of Radio Prague, is captured in all its magnificence on ‘Electricity: OMD with the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra’. The band’s determination to utilise the entire orchestra to maximum effect saw Andy McCluskey and Paul Humphreys abandoning almost all the original instrumentation in favour of complete re-workings of the song arrangements. The result is so much more satisfying than the usual “safe” attempts of rock and pop acts to add a little classical colour to their catalogue!

Aided by Hambi’s commanding film backdrop, the blazing and abstract imagery augments the breathtaking theatrics of this unique musical and artistic performance.

The inimitable gig will be available on general release on November 30th 2009 for pre-orders via the FACT website: http://shop.fact.co.uk/ .
For enquiries and interviews, please email Fire Management’s Leisa Maloney lmaloney@firemangement.co.uk or Vicky Roberts vroberts@firemangement.co.uk or call on 0151 709 8808.

Space Invaders: Art and the Computer Game Environment

Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:17:45 +0000

18 December - 21 February
Location: Gallery 1 & 2, Media Lounge

Space Invaders: Art and the Computer Game Environment explores the increasingly blurred boundaries between videogame spaces and real spaces. It features artists using games as a medium and subject (Blast Theory, Aram Bartholl, Bill Viola, Cao Fei, Ludic Society and more) alongside playable, commercial games that push the limits of the medium. Space Invaders is part of a season of gaming at FACT. The season includes interactive games events, competitions and a game-themed film programme.

Promised Lands - Flow Motion

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 11:34:51 +0000

Through two multimedia performances Flow Motion artists Edward George and Anna Piva showcase developments in their ongoing project Promised Lands. They explore historical and contemporary accounts of migration using songs and texts gathered in their multidisciplinary, multicultural archive.

Breakfast with Bernie Lubell & Marta Braun…

Wed, 10 Feb 2010 15:22:01 +0000

To launch our summer exhibition at FACT, Bernie Lubell ‘A Theory of
Entanglement’ , the artist discussed his work over breakfast in the
Box. Bernie was joined by Marta Braun from Ryerson University, a
specialist in early cinema photography and visual anthropology.

Bernie has exhibited internationally including Ars Electonica in 2007
where he received the Award of Distinction for Interactive Art. ‘A
Theory of Entanglement’ 19 June - 6 Sept 2009 formed part of FACT’s
year-long UNsustainable programme, which debated the multiple issues
currently facing the planet, as a response to Liverpool’s Year of the
Environment.

Bernie takes particular inspiration from the work of French
physiologist and chronophotographer Étienne-Jules Marey who was
obsessed with understanding movement - and Marta Braun is superbly
placed to provide an insight into Marey’s work. From horses and birds
to human limbs and the heartbeat, Marey’s work was pioneering in
cinematography, medical imaging, cardiology and aviation. After
suffering cardio problems in 1995 Bernie adapted Marey’s pneumatic
sensor technologies to explore the conflicted relationship we have
with the machines we have become so dependent on.

British Animation Awards 2010

Thu, 18 Feb 2010 17:16:42 +0000

FACT is delighted to present the British Animation Awards Public Choice Programme over three consecutive nights. The awards feature a mix of short films, animated commercials and music videos including several international festival award winners.

BAA gratefully acknowledges support from Glassworks, UK Film Council and C4 Digital Shorts, without whom Public Choice would not be possible.

Art of Digital - Jamie King

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:01:30 +0000

Documentation of Jamie King's talk at the Art of Digital learning lab that took place on 28th May 2009.

Art of Digital - Peter Bazalgette

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:09:33 +0000

Documentation of Peter Bazalgette's talk at the Art of Digital learning lab that took place on 28th May 2009.

Art of Digital - Andy Gibson

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:15:46 +0000

Documentation of Andy Gibson's talk at the Art of Digital learning lab that took place on 28th May 2009.