Digital Summer

Creative collaborations in arts, science and technology

Digital Summer was a cross art form and interdisciplinary initiative embracing a wide range of practice enriched by the use of new technologies.

Established in 1998 to celebrate the 50th birthday of 'The Baby' - the world's first stored program computer - at The University of Manchester on June 21 1948, Digital Summer commissions and promotes artists who work with scientists and technologists; who push the limits and application of technologies; or whose work deals thematically with issues of science and technology. Digital Summer focuses on the creative output of Manchester and the North West of England, but encourages collaboration between international, national and regionally based artists.

The free annual showcase of work presented by Digital Summer. Using non-traditional arts spaces it aims to bring digital art into the public environment and make it accessible and relevant to the widest population. Visit www.digitalsummer.org/interface for current programme information and links to participating artists and organisations.

There have been more than 25 commissions over the past three years, most being seen within the annual showcase. These have included:

Virtual Billboards 
10 sited works in Manchester city centre including giant projections from shop windows and on building facades, and illumination of the Arndale Tower.

00.01.01.01.00 
An old market hall transformed into a huge millennial clock and a receptor for solar radio emissions.

In Transition 
Bridgewater Hall foyers transformed into a performed visualisation of the millennial transition. An educational piece with new music from Erasure's Vince Clarke.

The Wave Factory
Enormous, interactive light sculpture.

It's a beautiful night from here to the trembling stars 
Live electro-acoustic contemporary music piece and multiple stream webcast from a shopping centre.

Double Happiness 
Performance exploring long-distance relationships in the age of new technologies.