[webcast-l] Fwd: INVITATION - The Not Quite Yet

[Bill Best]

Fwd:

The Not Quite Yet On the Margins of Technology

http://www.thenotquiteyet.net

25 January  – 1 March 2008

Loraine Leeson, Stacy Makishi, Lois Weaver,  Manu Luksch & Mukul Patel

Programme:

* Long Table discussion on Democracy and Technology: 23 Jan 2008, 6–8pm

* If I could do one thing...  Performance by Lois Weaver: 28 February 2008, 7pm

* On the Margins of Technology Symposium: 29 February 2008, 10am–5pm

* Artists Workshops: Throughout February- see website for details and bookings:
http:// www.thenotquiteyet.net

The growing relationship between networks and computer systems means
the way we live is increasingly determined by technology. The UK's
'ageing' population lives with the implications of these design
decisions. The Not Quite Yet asks how older people and society can
engage with the future design process of technology.  The Artists have
been invited to create new work in response to research that engages
groups of older people, exploring their relationship to technology and
its development.

The Long Table is a pre-exhibition discussion on Democracy and
Technology that will feed into the exhibition itself.  Introduced by
Lois Weaver, the Long Table is an experimental public forum that is a
hybrid performance installation-round table discussion-dinner party
designed to facilitate  informal conversations on serious topics. Come
along and give your opinion!

Loraine Leeson has been working with The Geezers, a group of senior
East Londoners, on a project to facilitate technological innovation
out of their collective and extensive life experiences. In considering
how technological development might improve life for themselves and
the wider community, The Geezers identified the benefits of harnessing
the tidal power of the Thames. Members of the group recounted how
centuries ago a water wheel was attached to London Bridge. In living
memory tidal power has been developed, then set aside in favour of
wind farms as our major source of alternative power. Now is the time
to let the Thames power London, and the Geezers are making it happen.
Their experience of life creates a true desire to support future
generations. This project is tapping more than one source of power…

Stacy Makishi has created wearable chindogu in response to desires
collected from Aglow, Wacc Cine Club and senior friends and family.
Chindogu: is the Japanese word coined for the art of the failed and
'un-useless' design object. Meant to solve the problems of modern
life, these bizarre objects have a tendency to fail completely. The
objects include a dress with a built-in zebra crossing, a hat that
helps a person talk to God and a skirt that keeps you on your toes.

Working with the Space Age Sirens, a choir of senior women from the
East End led by Laka D, Manu Luksch & Mukul Patel have created a mixed
media installation using sound, video, and painting. The work pokes
fun at the technobabble and nannying tone of user manuals by setting
them to song.   As the choir instructs us on the operation of washing
machines, so they remind us that, in the space age, common sense has
never been so urgently needed. Manu Luksch & Mukul Patel's
interdisciplinary and process-led way of working aims at critically
dissecting the myth of 'progress through technology'.

If I Could Do One Thing …  performance lecture by Professor Lois
Weaver accompanied by her Country Western alter ego, Tammy WhyNot that
invites the audience to consider how small boring things can have
large fascinating consequences. Professor Weaver's interactive lecture
offers insights and anecdotes gathered from her Democratising
Technology workshops with the over 50's in Hackney and Tower Hamlets.
Tammy promotes the fun and fantasy of everyday life as a way to
imagine the not quite yet.

129-131 Mare Street  London E8 3RH
http://www.spacestudios.org.uk
exhibitions at spacestudios.org.uk
020 85254338

Throughout 2007, Lois Weaver has led research sessions with groups of
older people with the aim of helping them engage with the changes
technology makes possible. The research is a collaboration based at
Queen Mary University of London, involving Pat Healey (Department of
Computer Science), Ann Light, Lois Weaver (Department of Drama) and
SPACE.

For more information:  http://www.thenotquiteyet.net

Travel:
Bus: 26 & 48 from Liverpool Street  106 & 254 from Bethnal Green  55
from Old Street
Tube: Bethnal Green
Train: Hackney Central Silverlink V

MAP http://www.thenotquiteyet.net/?page_id=13