Who is listening? How did it know? Where to next?

The 2024 Aotearoa Digitial Arts Network Symposium Rising Algorithms: Navigate, Automate, Dream explores the increasing sophistication of machine learning and artificial intelligence, its growing accessibility for artists and the general consumer, and its influence on wider society as we navigate complex environmental, social and economic issues worldwide. In our digitally ubiquitous era, we ask if technology can solve the wicked problems of our time or if it is exacerbating them? How have powerful machine learning-driven tools impacted contemporary cultural production? How are artists in Aotearoa navigating this shifting landscape?

Over one week in Wellington artists, technologists and critical thinkers will delve into these questions, all with a spirit of open enquiry guided by the symposium’s three themes, navigate, automate and dream.

Audiences will be able to discover the landscape of art, machine learning and AI through a wide range of creative experiences and approaches. These include a new, site-responsive commission from Julian Oliver popping up on rooftops around the city, group exhibitions at The Engine Room and null gallery, online artworks, and a performance evening at Vogelmorn Community Precinct.

Those who want to explore the creative possibilities of AI tools will have an opportunity to learn through hands-on workshops at two/fiftyseven on Friday 24 May.

Finally, over the weekend of 25 – 26 May, a full program of symposium talks and panel discussions will take place at the Te Aro campus of Te Herenga Waka. The two day program will explore the breadth of our creative and critical engagement with machine learning. As part of our weekend program, ADA will present three keynote discussions led by Julian Oliver, Eugene Hansen (Maniopoto) and Emele Ugavule (Tokelau, Fiji).

Rising Algorithms: Navigate, Automate, Dream is made possible with the support of our presenting partner Toi Hourua and funding from Creative New Zealand and Wellington City Council. Our symposium venues have been made possible through the generosity of Te Herenga Waka—Victoria University of Wellington, Vogelmorn Community, Michael Sutton of AWACS Communications (NZ) Ltd, and two/fiftyseven. Exhibition partners include The Engine Room at Massey University and null gallery.

About ADA

Since 2003, Aotearoa Digital Arts Network (ADA) has contributed to the discourse of digital culture in Aotearoa through symposia, scholarship, writing and presentations. The established and growing archive of media art history lives at ada.net.nz. In 2024, we aim to bring urgency and a refreshed conversation to the deep-rooted digital culture we live in.

The symposium convening committee consists of James Hope, Dr Melissa Laing, Vicki Smith and Ted Whitaker.