Digital Media
Digital Media at the Old Market Hall
The exhibition programme at the OMH aims to introduce audiences to the many and varied ways that artists have, and continue to work with new technologies.
Why new media?
Throughout history artists have explored the creative potential of new technologies as and when they have become accessible and affordable. In the 19th century new image-making technologies included the 'magic lantern' (an early form of projected images) and, of course, photography. By the end of the 19th century experiments were taking place using multiple sequences of still photographs to create the illusion of moving images and thus creating the earliest films.
Throughout the 20th century artists continued to explore the use of photography and film technologies, as well as sound recording. The emergence of television and video added further, more accessible ways for artists to work and by the late 20th century these emerging new art forms were to become accepted by the art establishment.
Now, in the 21st century, technological developments continue to open up yet more new means by which artists can experiment. Digital technologies have further transformed and expanded possibilities for artists and our visual culture has again been transformed. The increasingly widespread availability of the world wide web has resulted in the emergence of 'net.art' - a new tool for the latest generation of artists. The now ubiquitous technology of the mobile phone also provides artists with a huge new area of experimentation.
Our Digital Media programmes
There are two strands to the digital media programme at the Old Market Hall. The 'History of the Future' is a bi-monthly series of exhibitions, accompanied by an evening launch event, comprising of an artists' presentation, panel discussion and audience question and answer sessions. The professional artists who have their work screened through 'The History of the Future' operate internationally and we are delighted to be bringing their art to Shropshire.
The second strand to the digital media programme is called 'MediaMaker'. This project is run in conjunction with Belmont Arts Centre and provides opportunities for local people to create their own digital media work and have it screened to the public. A bi-monthly series of events allows local artists and anybody with an interest to take part in this exciting project and explore a whole new world of artistic opportunities.
MediaMaker
MediaMaker projects include HomeGrown - to profile, exhibit and archive media and new media production across Shropshire - past, present and future.
With exhibitions at the Old Market Hall, archiving of media projects underway at Belmont Arts Centre, future DVD publications of local work and support for projects in development, HomeGrown has been established to promote and develop artists work across the sector.
Scan-o-Rama is MediaMaker's touring digital arts workshop which has offered eleven free events across the county for all sections of the community to participate in taster sessions which include video production, digital photography and image manipulation, animation, and experimental scanning.
Over 200 people experimented with the technology in the free events. Scan-o-Rama is planned to tour again in 2005.
The Network is a growing project to link artists with other artists, with new opportunities for exhibition and commissions, and with developments in the media arts sector in Shropshire.
By joining the MediaMaker network media artists and other practitioners with an interest in digital arts will be the first to hear of opportunities for training, employment, residencies and commissions offered by MediaMaker.
MediaMaker Commissions offers occasional commissions to artists to create new works for exhibition as well as residencies created to inform the MediaMaker programme of participatory and educational programs.
The website mediamaker.tv contains details of these and other initiatives offered by MediaMaker, as well as the latest news on media and arts activity in Shropshire, useful contacts and links, project information, and resources for practitioners and participants in media arts.
MediaMaker is funded by Arts Council England, West Midlands and itis a partnership project between Shropshire County Council, Shrewsbury & Atcham Borough Council, Belmont Arts Centre and Shrewsbury Music Hall.
The project is co-ordinated by Martin Sumner.
The History of the Future
Throughout 2005 there will be a series of exhibitions and events called 'The History of the Future' which will explore how artists have responded to the emergence of new technologies - from the magic lantern to the mobile phone - and how our traditional definitions of art will continue to change with the times.
The Digital Media exhibition programme is co-ordinated by a group made up of artists, curators and Old Market Hall staff. If you would like to contact the group please speak to Grant Wilson, Technical Manager on (01743) 281284 or email: grantwilson@musichall.co.uk