What is ISEA?
ISEA is the International Symposium on Electronic Art – it is an annual event that moves around the world each year.
The series of symposia known as the International Symposium on Electronic Art was initiated in 1988 in order to support the founding and maintenance of an international network of organizations and individuals active in the field of the electronic arts.
This network took the shape of an association, founded in 1990 in The Netherlands, called the Inter-Society for the Electronic Arts. The Board and membership of ISEA has always been international, bringing together individuals and organizations from around the world. From the founding of ISEA until 1996, the organization was based in the Netherlands. From 1996 to 2001, ISEA headquarters was based in Montréal, Canada. In 2009 a new Headquarters was established at the University of Brighton, United Kingdom. The Inter-Society existed for over 15 years as a membership organisation and in 2009 ISEA was changed from the association to a foundation in order to better serve its mission.
The organization is now managed by the ISEA International Foundation Board, whose main role is to oversee the organization of the symposia in each selected city. It assures the continuity of symposia identity and quality, and works closely with the Host Organization. The symposia have been held as both a biennial and annual event. In 1998, the symposium returned to the biennial format for ten years. It is now held annually.
When will ISEA 2013 be held?
ISEA 2013 will be held from Friday 7th of June until Sunday 16th of June 2013. ISEA 2013 will open with a series of talks, exhibitions and events presented in conjunction with our partners at Vivid Sydney over the first weekend, moving into our core conference program over the middle week and finishing with a major weekend of creativity and geekery to close the program. We will also be working with a range of partners around Sydney, across NSW and Australia to ensure that there is an exciting program of workshops, residencies, exhibitions and events leading into and out of ISEA.
What is ISEA’s definition of “electronic art”?
ISEA International defines “electronic art” as art that cannot be created without electronic means. This includes both visual and performing arts. It means, for example, that computer software, the Internet, databases, wireless devices, electronic components or physical computing has played a role in the creation of the work. This does not mean that the work itself must include a screen, projector, embedded computer or electronic components.
As long as computer software, the Internet, databases, wireless devices, electronic components and/or physical computing has played an important role in the creation of the work, the resulting work can be in any media.
Where will ISEA 2013 be held?
ISEA 2013 will be held in a range of venues in and around Sydney, Australia. This will include galleries, museums and art venues both large and small, universities and other partner institutions, as well as a range of non conventional sites and spaces for exhibitions and performances.
ISEA 2013 aims to engage not merely inner city Sydney but other parts of Sydney, New South Wales and Australia to host satellite events, residencies, and projects that will take place during or lead in and out of ISEA 2013 itself.
How do i get involved in ISEA as an artist?
ISEA 2013 will be calling for proposals from artists during 2012. We are currently in the process of seeking funding that we hope will allow us to commission some new works (in conjunction with various funding partners) as well as work with artists and institutions from around the world to support a range of umbrella exhibitions and independently mounted shows. Please see our proposals page for more information.
What do I need to do to submit an EOI for ISEA2013?
You need to download the EOI Form and separate budget spread sheet from the proposals page of this site. Please complete all of the questions and upload them together with your support material (clearly labelled and listed on the application form), and CV via the website before the cut off dates for each round.
Applications are encouraged for exhibitions, performance works, outdoor installations, interventions, residencies or other creative projects and programs. Ambitious works are encouraged although our resources are limited.
Who can submit an EOI for ISEA2013?
We are currently seeking Expressions of Interest from artists and organisations wishing to develop, commission or present work in association with ISEA. Applicants whose projects are dependent on funding from other sources (i.e. government, philanthropic agencies, etc.) with deadlines approaching or embarking on projects with long lead times are particularly encouraged to apply now. Other applicants are encouraged to apply later in the year when ISEA will announce our plans to commission new works.
This first round call out for EOI’s is focussed on projects with impending grant due dates and large-scale projects with long lead times, below is a list of cut off dates for future rounds.
What are the cut off dates for the EOI call outs?
| Round 1 (Large-scale and long lead time) | Monday, 6rh February 2012 |
| Round 2 | Friday, 6th April 2012 |
| Round 3 | Friday, 8st June 2012 |
| Later Call(s) | TBC |
When do I submit a paper for the symposium?
We will be doing a ‘call for papers’ later in 2012, we will notify everyone via our website and social media sites, alternatively please go to http://www.isea2013.org/signup and put your name on our database for future news about ISEA2013.
What is the assessment process for each EOI?
The ISEA2013 Curatorial Committee will be shortlisting projects and successful applicants will be invited to discuss their project in more detail with the committee and the Director Marcus Westbury.
All calls for submission will posted on this web site, will be promoted through our email list, and will be widely publicised through Twitter, Facebook and through our partner networks.
Where can i find out about other ISEAs?
ISEA 2011 was held in Istanbul Turkey in September 2011 and you can visit their web site here. ISEA 2012 ‘Machine Wilderness’ is being held in Albuquerque, New Mexico in September 2012 — more information on their program can be found here.