In 2007, the "centre des arts" in Enghienles-Bains, a venue for the promotion of digital creation subsidised by the French Ministry of Culture and Communication, launched a project to create a network of artistic, scientific and industrial research, production, diffusion and training organisations working in the area of digital creation in France and internationally.
The Digital Art Network (RAN in French) offers a unique platform where art, science and industry converge, removing the barriers between these sectors and opening up a pioneering space for creation and innovation where experts from various professional fields can come together. The RAN seeks to develop a collaborative approach aimed at fostering exchange, reflection and co-production between artistic, scientific and industrial organisations. It promotes the synergy of cross-disciplinary expertise and helps bolster national and international co-operation.
OBJECTIVES
> To promote interdisciplinary exchanges and reinforce ties between art, science and industry
> To pool resources, know-how and methods between digital art research, production, distribution and training organisations
> To develop co-production and the joint distribution of works and tools, and to promote the mobility of those working in the area of digital creation
> To communicate on and support training and awareness initiatives
PROJECTS
Project n°1 / A cross-disciplinary online digital art guide
> catalogue skills and connect talents
This online guide is intended as an open and flexible tool aimed at cultural, scientific, business and industry professionals as well as the general public. The purpose of this vast “real-time” directory – to which contribution is voluntary – is to catalogue and centralise opportunities and specific skills in the area of digital art and above all to draw up a map of resource centres. It is a means to collect and organise the contact information of suppliers and documents by area of interest, and also to keep people informed, put contributors in contact and publish data on line (Development of the database in 2010).
Project n°2 / Support for pilot projects
> to create an economy of production and distribution through international co-operation
A selection of artistic projects and digital tools (creation of performing arts shows, installations, software and materials) corresponding to a specific call for projects will receive the support of RAN members in 2010. The teams selected will be given the opportunity to complete a “research and creation track” which includes a mobile residency in specific locations (training center, research laboratory, cultural centre, etc.) and incorporates critical observation and mediation experiences with the general public.
The projects will be monitored by a support committee and will receive coproduction aid from RAN members.
Project n°3 / An Observation of new uses and activities in the area of performing and visual arts
> to enhance professional training
Through the recognition of new skills and new professions emerging in the world of digital art, the purpose of this observation is to draw the attention of institutions and professional organisations to the benefits of building stronger bridges between the professional and university spheres; to implement more pluri-disciplinary “Art and Science” training.
1st PUBLICATION issued from a RAN experience
Corps digitals en scène is a hybrid publication (book + DVD), both a reflective piece and a documentary. It was inspired by two concrete experiences: the 2nd Bains Numériques Festival (held on October 24-26, 2007, in Enghien-les-Bains, France) and the Digital Art Network (RAN), via the network’s “pilot experiences” that brought together researchers, creators and critical observers for cooperative projects in various university and cultural centres (release date: June 2008, co-publication Centre des Arts - La Lettre Volée).
contact:
RAN / centre des arts 12/16 rue de la libération 95880 Enghien-les-Bains France tel + 33 1 39 64 11 39 < ran-dan.net > < contact@ran-dan.net >
Published in the Digitalarti Mag #3.
Digitalarti Mag, the international digital art and innovation magazine.
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