Zayed University in Dubai and Abu Dhabi hosted ISEA2014, the 20th International Symposium on Electronic Art between 30 October and 8 November, 2014. This event took place in the Middle East for the first time. The theme “LOCATION” focused on the region’s culture, education systems and vastly expanding art scene.
ISEA2014 hosted over 120 paper presentations, 30 panels and roundtable discussions, 15 large art exhibitions, 30 workshops, and additional artist talks by delegates from over 40 countries. The exhibitions showcased more than 150 artworks that thrived on technology and innovation. In addition, it featured interactive installations that involved robotics, multimedia projections in outdoor spaces, sculptures, videos, photographs, and many other forms of art utilizing the latest developments in technical equipment, science, and mechanics. Keynote presentations were given by Theo Jansen (NL), Janet Echelman (USA), Erkki Huhtamo (Finland/USA) and Sally-Jane Norman (UK).
Sheikha Lubna bint Khalid Al Qasimi, minister for International Co-operation and Development of the United Arab Emirates, and President of Zayed University, gave the inaugural speech for ISEA2014. She was the honored guest at the first keynote (By Theo Jansen). The keynote speech by Janet Echelman was attended by Michael H. Corbin, Ambassador of the United States to the United Arab Emirates.
In galleries, universities, shopping malls, and public parks across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, ISEA2014 served as a meeting point for local, regional, and international creative communities. Events were hosted by Zayed University Dubai, American University Dubai, Cuadro Gallery Dubai, the jamjar Gallery Dubai, Gallery Ward Dubai, CREEKSIDE Dubai, Al Fahidi Historical Neighborhood Dubai, Dubai Center for Cultural Understanding, Arts and Community Festival at Al Serkal Dubai, American University of Sharjah, Maraya Art Park Sharjah, Zayed University Abu Dhabi, Art Hub Abu Dhabi, New York University at Abu Dhabi, Abu Dhabi Art Fair and many more locations.
Sue Gollifer is currently the Director of the ISEA International Headquarters. She is an artist, a Principal Lecturer in Fine Art and the Course Leader for Digital Media Arts MA and a researcher and curator at the University of Brighton, UK. She is on a number of National and International Committees, including (CAS) the Computer Arts Society, (DAM), Digital Art Museum, and (DAC) the ACM SIGGRAPH Digital Arts Community. She is currently the ACM Chair of ‘The Distinguished Artist Award for Lifetime Achievement in Digital Art’.
