In light of recent advances in generative AI language and image models, there is a critical need to address the ontological status of computationally generated artifacts. The DXARTS x EpiSTEAM Summer School aims to explore these developments and challenges through two weeks of intensive technical workshops, thematic discussions, and the public sharing/exhibition of a series of collaborative cross-disciplinary artistic interventions that stem from these discussions.
EpiSTEAM is a consortium of 14 academic and non-academic partners, including 8 campuses within the European Culture and Technology Lab (ECT LAB+). Working to develop interdisciplinary research programs between art, science, and technology, EpiSTEAM posits that diversification of epistemological positions is key to responsible technological innovation.
https://ectlab.eu/project/
As a core EpiSTEAM member, DXARTS is hosting a 10-day intensive Summer School at the University of Washington from Monday, 23 June through Thursday, 3 July, 2025. These events will bring together participants from European institutions, DXARTS, UW Arts Division collaborators, interdepartmental partners, as well as off-campus guests working at the intersections of art, technology, and cultural production.
Events will include technical demonstrations and hands-on workshops, artist talks and research presentations, roundtable discussions, as well as field-work across and beyond the Seattle campus. We estimate that around 25 participants will engage in this program in varying capacities, including core DXARTS Faculty, UW students, ECT members traveling from EU to Seattle, and other members of the local artistic community. Throughout the Summer School, participants will have access to DXARTS facilities, including the fabrication labs, SoftLab, and production studios. These collaborative engagements will culminate in a public exhibition of prototypes and cross-disciplinary projects developed throughout the thematic focus groups.
Participation is free of charge, but there is a limited number of spots, please contact Tivon Rice <tivon@uw.edu> to reserve your spot.