Where does the death of languages, cultures and peoples fit into the sustainability discussion? We look forward to critical discussions that explore multiple meanings of sustainability in this state of ecological and global health. We will be discussing the science and technology behind sustainable practices and design as well as the science behind some of the events and circumstances that have driven us to seek sustainable solutions. What role does the artist play in bringing forth new layers of understandings in this discussion?

As in previous years, we invite submissions from various practices. For 12 years, Subtle Technologies has provided a forum where participants share their projects, theories and technologies around an annual theme. Subtle Technologies is also a place where artists, scientists, and other innovators inspire, inform and generate new concepts and tools.

Specifically, this year we are looking for proposals for presentations for our symposium, works for our exhibitions, video and film submissions for screenings, workshops and partners for collaborations. Some example areas of exploration in sustainability include: political and historical perspectives, design and architectural practices, global warming, climate change refugees, agriculture, water and other resource management, cultural preservation, material science, alternative energy systems, corporate responsibility, co-operatives and microfinance, biodiversity conservation, preservation of indigenous knowledge, and the culture of consumption.

In 2010, for our 13th annual festival, we have chosen the theme, of “sustainability”. We will look at “sustainability” through the lens of art and science. Sustainability has come to have different meanings and conjure up a bevy of different ideas depending on the context of the discussion. Sustainability brings to mind questions of the overuse of natural resources, biological and natural systems out of balance or toxic environments.

Our Festival will investigate a wide range of definitions and ideas surrounding sustainability. Some example areas of exploration include: sustainable design and architecture practices, global warming discussions, climate change refugees, sustainable agriculture, water and other resource management, cultural preservation and sustainability, politics of sustainability, material science for sustainable design, alternative energy systems, corporate responsibility, co-operatives and microfinance, biodiversity conservation, preservation of indigenous knowledge.

We will be exploring our theme through a variety of formats:

Workshops
Full Symposium
Performances
Exhibitions
Panel Discussions
Social Events
Film/Video Screenings