The Digital Exploration Centre (DEC) is a network of innovators using digital technology, formed to be a catalyst for cross-discipinary work, the sharing of ideas and a public programme of exhibitions, events and debate.

The DEC is working towards its ambition to create a leading centre for the creative exploration and application of digital technology with respect to research, art, commerce, education and entertainment in Southend-on-Sea. This new centre is a key part of Southend-on-Sea’s regeneration plan, supported by East of England Development Agency (EEDA), Renaissance Southend Ltd (RSL) and Southend-on-Sea Borough Council (SBC).

Metal and the DEC have formed an innovative, developmental partnership to help achive this aim.

The DEC is currently housed within Metal facilities at Chalkwell Hall to present an exciting programme of events for 2010 and 2011.

Small World Fair
29 September – 23 October 2010
An exhibition of ideas, artworks, curiosities and questions around how the world is shaped by technology. Curated by Simon Poulter.

Exhibiting:
Peter Cusack in collaboration with Damien Robinson and Stuart Bowditch
Jean Delouvroy
Mary Flanagan
Rod MacLachlan
Hans Verhaegen
With a performance of Modes of Al-Ikseer by Harminder Singh Judge on the evening of 28 September.

Opening times: Thurs / Fri / Sat 11am – 6pm.
Or by appointment. Please call 01702 470700.

Venue: Chalkwell Hall, Chalkwell Avenue, Southend-on-Sea SS0 8NB

More info: http://www.metalculture.com/southend-on-sea/digital-exploration-centre.html

The Rhizome selection criteria:

“The Rhizome ArtBase includes works of new media art — including net art, software art, computer games, and documentation of new media performance and installation — that are of potential historical significance. We define new media art as contemporary art that uses emerging technologies in significant ways. Online displays of work that does not meet this definition are not included in the ArtBase.

In order to evaluate potential historical significance, we look at:

• the work’s aesthetic innovation, conceptual sophistication or political impact
• the work’s relevance to the discourse of new media art
• any discussion of the work itself on Rhizome.org or other relevant networks or publications
• the work’s place in the artist or artists’ oeuvre
• the work’s provenance, including commissions, exhibitions and collections

Note that submissions should be of the actual work. In general, we do not accept portfolio or home pages into the Artbase.”

‘Deus Digitalis´ is an audio visual installation by visual artist Hans Verhaegen and composer Jean Delouvroy. On occasion of the official opening of this year´s exhibition, this creation will be integrated in the characteristic context of the Orpheus Institute´s concert hall. The basic elements consist of computer-steered animation of the recognizable distinctive human pattern by Hans Verhaegen and the inventive composed sound layers by Jean Delouvroy. It´s the first time both artists combine forces.

The animation used for this installation is a version of ‘Gotiek‘.

Jean Delouvroy (°1967, Belgium) studied at the Royal Music Conservatory in Ghent (harmony, counterpoint, analysis, project contemporary music, jazz arranging & composition, electric guitar). In 1988 he won the national jazz composing and arranging contest (Belgian Artistic Promotion Sabam). Afterwards he worked as arranger for the Belgian Radio Television Big Band, where his interest in contemporary music was also stimulated. Furthermore he makes use of electronics. He creates soundscapes by recycling his own acoustic material, mainly in cooperation with other art disciplines. He lives and works in Brussels. (www.jeandelouvroy.com)

More about the Orpheus Institute and on this exhibition.