With the advent of the Internet as a public communication medium, artists were among the first to explore its character, potential and borders for use and abuse. Special internet servers, hosting a variety of cultural and art projects, came into existence.

It seems as if the idealistic notion of innovative art forms in digital media and networks is standing in opposition to the consumerist philosophy of claiming territory and branding and has therefore come under threat of market forces in a "digital gold rush" climate.

A net.radio live event is going to be staged with multiple live broadcasting from and to London involving Budapest, Vienna, Lubljana, Riga, Rimini and other cities.

The goal is to look at different working models of art server projects and draft a paper which gives recommendations on cultural policy making for art funding bodies and raises awareness for public access and cultural content provision.

The following organisations from Central Europe and the UK will be represented:

[Hungary: Media Research Foundation, C3 Center, Pararadio] ö [Slovenia: Lubljana Digital Art Lab, ministry:of:x-periment] ö [Austria: Silverserver, t0 Public Netbase] ö [UK: backspace, Redundant Technology Initiative, Revolting/Yourserver] ö [Latvia: e-lab, xchange, ozone]

All who are actively involved in running art servers - environments that support a blend of creative, experimental, artistic, non commercial use of the internet - or who are thinking about launching a project of this kind are invited to participate.

London, 2nd to 4th of July 1998

ICA New Media Centre & Backspace

Concept / Organisation / Reply-To:

Manu Luksch [manu@sil.at]
Armin Medosch [armin@easynet.co.uk]

[http://www.yourserver.co.uk/asu]

Manu Luksch Armin Medosch [manu@sil.at]