4 October 2013
'How to work in a world of makers' - public lecture on Friday, 11th October
Photo opportunity: 7.30pm on Friday, 11th October at Dalhousie Building, Old Hawkhill.
New Media pioneer Bill Thompson, one of the world's foremost authorities on digital technology, will next week visit the
University of Dundee to discuss the opportunities for empowerment and creativity unleashed by technological advances.
He will explore the 'maker culture' and its impact on culture and society at the Dalhousie Building on Friday, 11th October.
Maker culture refers to a technology-based extension of the DIY spirit that encompasses engineering-oriented pursuits such as
electronics, robotics, and 3-D printing as well as more traditional activities such as metalworking, woodworking, and arts
and crafts.
The concept encourages new applications of technologies, invention and prototyping, and the development and creative use of
practical skills.
The talk, hosted by the University's Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design (DJCAD), is the first event in the new 'Oxygen Lecture Series'
commissioned by Creative Scotland. This will see six leading thinkers address key subjects of critical contemporary relevance
to society in London and Scotland. Bill Thompson's talk will feature practical examples and demonstrations.
'We are delighted to be welcoming a guest as prestigious as Bill Thompson here,' said Jeanette Paul, Acting Dean of DJCAD. 'As
one of the true innovators and pioneers of digital technology, there are few people who can analyse the changes that have
taken place over the past two decades as authoritatively as him.
'Bill is one of the most respected voices in this field, and we are looking forward to hearing his perspective on the
emerging maker culture and how it is helping to shape society. I am sure the lecture will be inspiring to artists,
designers, researchers and students from across the University.'
Bill Thompson has been working in digital technology since 1984. As a well-known technology journalist, he contributes
to many publications including The Times and The New Statesman. He is Head of Partnership Development in the BBC's Archive
Development Group, and a Visiting Professor at the Royal College of Art.
Bill appears weekly on Click on BBC World Service radio, writes a monthly column for Focus magazine and advises leading
arts and cultural organisations on digital strategies. He has held a number of positions including Internet Ambassador
for PIPEX and Head of New Media at The Guardian, where he created the paper's first website. He has also developed websites
for Comic Relief and the Edinburgh Fringe in the past.
'Respiration: How to work in a world of makers' takes place at the Dalhousie Building from 7.30-9pm on Friday, 11th October.
Free tickets are available from http://worldofmakers.eventbrite.com/.
For media enquiries contact:
Grant Hill
Press Officer
University of Dundee
Nethergate, Dundee, DD1 4HN
TEL: 01382 384768
E-MAIL: g.hill@dundee.ac.uk
MOBILE: 07854 953277 |
