Symposium - 2006 Genetics
Over three days in July 06 we staged the second Darwin Summer Symposium with support from The Heritage Lottery Fund and sponsorship from The Open University.
Unnatural Selection - Darwin Summer Symposium
A journey into genetics through science & art
@ The Music Hall
Curator Dr Tom Shakespeare
Programme:
0900 Registration, coffee
1000 Current realities (chaired by Tom Shakespeare)
Professor Peter Farndon, (clinical geneticist, Birmingham)An introduction to what genetics and reproductive technology can currently offer individuals, couples and families.
Tom Shakespeare presented the work of Julian Germain, a portrait photographer who has made a series of images of multi-generation families, and explored the questions the work raises about interconnection and inheritance.
1130 Workshops
a) Sayward Morley (artist in residence at NOWGEN/GIG) and Ninette Rothmuller (artist/social researcher) discussed the role of arts in the work of genetics.
b) Jordan Baseman presented his sci-art residency work, in particular recent collaboration with behavioural geneticist Terrie Moffitt on the theme of twins.
c) Blue Eyed Soul (Shrewsbury) and Ludus (Lancaster) Discussed using dance to explore genetics and eugenics
Photo by Mattias Ek
d) Predrag Pajdic presented his How Gay Are Your Genes? collaboration, and his other sci-art projects.
1400 Future possibilities (chaired by Tom Shakespeare)
Professor Lee Silver (embryologist, Princeton) discussed how genetics and reproductive technology may lead to designer babies and social divisions in coming centuries.
Dr Chris Belshaw (Open University) provided a philosopher’s response to the current and future challenges of genetics and reproductive technology.
1530 Tea break
1600 Panel discussion (chaired by Tom Shakespeare) explored the role of the artist in imagining, communicating and challenging human genetic and reproductive technologies
Professor Lee Silver (Princeton)
Ken Arnold (Head of Art, Wellcome Trust)
Dr Chris Belshaw (ethicist, OU)
Jane Prophet, Artist
1700 Close