Every May we present the Subtle Technologies conference, a multidisciplinary event exploring the strands and patterns of thought, feeling, and culture, which connect and resonate in the space between art and science. The success of Subtle Technologies is due in large part to our committed volunteers, as well as the many presenters and audience members who support the conference every year. 

For our 4th annual conference, Subtle Technologies will host screenings, art exhibitions, and a diverse lecture series featuring scientists and artists from around the world. We hope to provide an immersive environment, which encourages the discussion and development of new concepts and areas of research.

Subtle Technologies is an opportunity for artists and scientists to share their work and ideas with one another and the public. Beyond exploiting the novel or sensational aspects of recent scientific discovery and technological advances, the conference provides a forum to look instead at how these new ideas and tools are being used to illuminate the lesser known aspects of our inner and outer worlds. With new information often introduced too quickly for the public to digest its full meaning, Subtle Technologies is a chance to contemplate the discreet ways art and science reshape our perspectives, both individually and collectively. 

Subtle Technologies promotes the idea that scientific pragmatism and creative inspiration are not mutually exclusive approaches, that often one substantiates the need for the other. Our mandate is to feature work that is not confined to one particular practice or methodology. Topics of interest include: interactivity, quantum physics-including quantum computing and other unconventional computing technologies, music, dance, consciousness research, holographic modeling, sociology, biomagnetics, chaos theory, genetics, sonic explorations, alternative healing modalities, bio-energy, pharmacology, theories of cosmology, neurobiology, sensing systems and devices, cybernetics, artificial intelligence and parapsychology. It is our goal to develop a diverse program able to facilitate the cross-pollination of ideas.
 

Conference Directors

Jim Ruxton (Conference Co-founder, Programmer and Coordinator)

Jim Ruxton received his M.A.Sc in electrical engineering at the University of Ottawa in 1988. Since graduating from the New Media Program at the Ontario College of Art and Design in 1993, he has worked in Toronto as an inventor, engineer and artist to bring electronics into various fields of the arts. Through his company Cinematronics, Jim has collaborated with numerous Canadian artists and cultural institutions in the fields of installation, performance, theatre, dance and film to create kinetic interactive environments. Jim's interest in all that is subtle led him to becoming a co-founder of the Subtle Technologies Conference in 1998.  

Victoria Scott (Programmer, & Coordinator)

Victoria Scott is a Toronto-based sculptor who works primarily in metal and creates large-scale mechanical installations that combine low-technology and big emotions. Since graduating from the New Media Program, at The Ontario College of Art & Design in 1991, she has exhibited, lectured and presented workshops in Sweden, Mexico City, Toronto, California, Venice, and Chicago. For the last 10 years, she has been very active in the Toronto electronic arts community, and is currently the Chair of InterAccess Media Arts Centre.

Tania Thompson (Administration and Media Coordinator)

Tania is a visual artist and filmmaker who recently moved from the west coast to Toronto. During her time in BC, she exhibited throughout the province. While her primary practice remains painting, she is also an active filmmaker, co-founding the Vancouver-based Eisteadfodd, an artist collective devoted to the promotion of out-moded filmmaking, as well as its Toronto offshoot, The InCamera Collective. Tania has an honours BFA from York University and is co-owner of Artistic Ventures Partnership, a company set up to lend production assistance to emerging artists.

The 2001 Subtle Technologies Conference would not be possible without the assistance of :

Print Designer: Michael Alstad
Web Designer: Camille Turner
Volunteer Coordinator: Veronica Verkley
Media Assistants: Slavica Ceperkovic & Nicholas Stedman
Stage Manager: Mark Jones
Exhibition Curator: Kathleen Pirrie Adams
Conference Co-founder: Pam Brown

As well as the many volunteers who have helped us so much.