WORKSHOP
SymbioticA Tissue Engineering Workshop
Explore the CONCEPTS and PRACTICES by viewing the links here
More and larger Photographs from the workshop are here
May 18, 19, 20, 2007
Toronto, Canada
Overview
The increasing recognition of technological intervention and integration in medicine and the body has introduced tissue culture (TC) and tissue engineering (TE) as new possibilities for artistic engagement. Bioart, an emerging art form that uses the biological as its medium, explores the vast possibilities of biotechnology.
The use of TE for non medical ends is also been explored in areas such as food production (in-vitro meat), leather replacement, locomotion, research models, and art.
Biomedical research has a major influence on perceptions of body, self and medical thinking. TE enables researchers to grow three dimensional living tissue constructs of varying sizes, shapes and tissue types. These constructs continue living and growing in-vitro or as a “new kind of body”.
This two and a half day intensive workshop will introduce artists and other interested people (including philosophers, ethicists, policy makers, designers) to basic principles of animal tissue culture and tissue engineering, as well as to its history and the different artistic projects working with TC and TE. No prior experience necessary.
The workshop was developed by Oron Catts, Ionat Zurr and Dr Stuart Hodgetts and is conducted by artist/researcher/curator Oron Catts, the Artistic Director of SymbioticA (University of Western Australia).
SymbioticA is an artistic laboratory dedicated to the research, learning and critique of life sciences. SymbioticA is the first research laboratory of its kind, in that it enables artists to engage in wet biology practices in a biological science department. Catts has eleven years of experience researching tissue technologies as an artistic medium through the Tissue Culture and Art Project (TC&A) that he founded in 1996.
Tissue engineering is the use of a combination of cells, engineering and materials methods, and suitable biochemical and physio-chemical factors to improve or replace biological functions. While most definitions of tissue engineering cover a broad range of applications, in practice the term is closely associated with applications that repair or replace portions of or whole tissues.
Venue
The workshop is hosted at the University of Toronto’s Institue of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto. Specifics will be sent to registrants.
Schedule
- May 18, Friday, 1pm~5pm
May 19, Saturday, 10am~5pm
May 20, Sunday, 10am~5pm
Workshop Organizers
Subtle Technologies contact: Sachiko Hirosue
Leader: Oron Catts (SymbioticA)
Tutor: Bryan Keith (Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto).
Workshop Fees
The Workshop fees include all necessary materials. Travel plans, accommodations and meals are not included.
- $250 Workshop only
$325 Workshop with full Festival Pass
$275 Workshop with full Festival Pass (students, underemployed)
Requirements
No previous experience necessary.
Travel and Accommodation
Travel plans and accommodations must be arranged by participants. Please download our Toronto Accommodations Packet.
The SymbioticA Tissue Engineering Workshop for Artists is co-presented with YEAR ZERO ONE and Subtle Technologies. This workshop is made possible with the support of SymbioticA, Australian Network for Art & Technology (ANAT), the University of Western Australia, and the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, University of Toronto.