Beta_space - Art – technology - experiment

Beta_space

Beta_space is a collaboration
between The Powerhouse Museum and Creativity and Cognition
Studios (CCS) at the University
of Technology, Sydney.

Beta_space is located within the Cyberworlds: computers and connections exhibition

Beta_space
Art – technology - experiment - discovery

The Powerhouse Museum and Creativity and Cognition Studios (CCS), University of Technology, Sydney collaborate to create Beta_space, an experimental environment where the public can engage with the latest research in art and technology.

Beta_space shows interactive artworks in development by CCS researchers and collaborators. These works are at different stages, from early prototype to end product. In all cases engagement with the public can provide critical information for further iterations of the art work or of the research. The name 'beta' refers to a new piece of software or hardware that needs testing and feedback from its users to help the project team to eliminate design and engineering errors.

Beta_space provides visitors to the Powerhouse Museum the chance to experience collaboration between art and technology, while information displays contextualise the role of CCS and Beta_space in this international field.

Beta_space is a working environment, a laboratory which yields valuable research outcomes. It allows the public the opportunity to be creatively involved in the development of new forms of artistic expression, while providing insight into the creative process of artists, technologists, and the experience of audiences.

Magic Hopscotch
Artist: Viveka Weiley
Technologist: Doreen Ee
23 June - 30 July 2008
10am - 5pm Daily
Cost: Free with Entry to the Museum
Location: Cyberworlds Gallery

Magic Hopscotch

Magic Hopscotch is an interactive artwork that mixes real and virtual environments. Though specifically designed for children, both children and adults alike can control the system by playing the familiar playground game. As they hop through the squares, participants begin discovering a magical journey along the way inspired by the popular children's book Where the Wild Things Are.

This first version of the work installed is a prototype - an unfinished sketch to be filled in by visitors who participate as experimenters in the living laboratory of Beta_space.

This work has been supported by the Creativity and Cognition Studios, the Faculty of Information Technology and the Institute of Interactive Media & Learning at UTS, an Australian Postgraduate Award and an ACID scholarship.