Andy @ The Role of the Arts in Democratic Policy Making

Arts & Technology:
The Role of the Arts in Democratic Policy Making

http://www.bioethics.ac.uk/index.php?do=events&rid=150

Tuesday 14th October 2008
National Theatre, Southbank, 2-5pm,
Followed by drinks reception

When it comes to developments in science and technology, public perceptions on these issues are influenced largely by the various sources in the public square including the media and the arts. When it comes to the particular issue of emerging technologies, developments in this field have been at best met with caution, at worst with a negative response. Yet where has the real conversation concerning these issues taken place?

Over the years there have been numerous novels, films and visual arts projects which have explored and enriched the dialogue concerning many of these pertinent technologies. One only has to look at Michael Crichton’s Prey, Marge Piercy’s He, She, It, to say nothing of the films I, Robot, Gattaca and Bladerunner as examples of this fact. It is therefore perhaps no surprise that to date the main discussion concerning these new technologies has taken place within the arts arena more than the policy arena.

How can the arts conversation shape and develop public policy? Do the arts add to the hype or do they really help to inform the public of the truth about these issues? Can the arts and public policy arenas work more closely to further enrich the dialogue? If so, how? What can policy makers learn from the arts in this area?

BioCentre invites you to this discussion with participating speakers from a range of disciplines who will explore these questions.

Speakers include:

Mr. Paul Meade
Director and joint artistic director of Gúna Nua Theatre Company, Dublin and winner of the Irish Council on Bioethics arts competition

Speaking on: ‘Begotten Not Made’

Dr. Andy Miah
Reader in New Media & Bioethics, University of the West of Scotland.

Speaking on: ‘Art in an Age of Uncertainty’

Dr. Chamu Kuppuswamy
Lecturer in Law, University of Sheffield and co-ordinator of the Arts and Bioethics Network

Speaking on: tbc

Justina Robson
UK science fiction writer

“…one of the very best of the new British hard SF writers.” - The Guardian newspaper

Speaking on: tbc

RSVPs are required.

Please include your name and the organisation that you represent in your response. There is no charge for the event.

To RSVP:
e: / t: 0207 227 4706

Venue: National Theatre, Southbank
Cost: Free, RSVPs required