Friday 13 June 2008, 10am-3pm

Southbank Center
(Front Room at Queen Elizabeth Hall)
Belvedere Road, London SE1-8XX

In association with the Crochet Reef exhibition at the Hayward Gallery and Royal Festival Hall, the Southbank Center is hosting a day-long symposium bringing together scientists, crafters and environmentalists.

http://www.southbankcentre.co.uk/visual-arts/productions/the-art-and-craft-of-saving-th-40619

This seminar is generously supported by a grant from the Crafts Council.

Join leading international craft specialists and environmental experts for a day of discussions and workshops exploring the relationships between craft and climate change, science and mathematics, inspired by the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef exhibition at The Hayward (11 June - 17 August 2008).

- Introduction by Jude Kelly, artistic director Southbank Centre.

- Keynote address by Margaret and Christine Wertheim of the Institute For Figuring.

- Panel discussion chaired by artist and curator Janis Jefferies and Dr. Marcus du Sautoy, one of the UK's leading scientists and celebrated mathematical author.

- Further speakers include: world-renowned underwater sculptor Jason de Caires Taylor; Rosy Greenlees, Crafts Council; Clare Twomby of Cape Farewell and Eden Project; Rachael Matthews of Cast Off; Inga Hamilton, fibre artist; Dr. Mark Miodownik, founder of the Materials Library; Bridget Nichols ecology writer and director of Pestival; and New York based mathematician Dr. Daina Taimina.

Tickets £20 Concessions: £10

To book tickets please call (UK) 0871 663 2598 Monday to Friday 9.30am-5.30pm

Full Symposium Schedule:

10.00 Jude Kelly: welcome to the Southbank Centre and introduction to symposium chairs.

10.10 Janis Jefferies and Marcus du Sautoy: opening remarks

10.20 Rosy Greenlees: welcome from the Craft Council, introduction to the Institute For Figuring and the Crochet Reef Project

10.30 Margaret and Christine Wertheim, co-directors of the Institute For Figuring, will give a Keynote address about the history and evolution of the Hyperbolic Crochet Coral Reef, exploring the project's interweaving strands of mathematics, marine biology, ecological activism, feminine handicraft and collective feminist practice.

11.15 Panel discussion chaired by Janis Jefferies and Dr. Marcus Du Sautoy

Discussion points:

* Does art and craft have to a role to play in the fight against climate change and public understanding of science?
* How have scientists' theories and research on climate change influenced the work of contemporary artists and crafts people?
* What future potential is there to develop relationships between scienctific research and contemporary art and craft

Panel members:
Dr. Daina Taimina - Mathematician, Cornell University, and inventor of hyperbolic crochet
Bridget Nichols - Arts and Ecology Advisor to London Zoological Society
Clare Twomby - Cape Farewell applied artist in residence at Eden Project
Margaret Wertheim - Science writer and IFF Director
Dr. Christine Wertheim - Professor of Critical Studies, California Institute for the Arts, and IFF Co-Director
Jason Taylor - Artificial Reef Sculptor
Dr. Mark Miodownik - Founder of the Materials Library

Question and Answers from audience

12.00 – 1230 Dr. Daina Taimina and Inga Hamilton
Hyperbolic table challenges - activities combining mathematics and handiwork construction.
(audience encouraged to continue through lunch)

12.30 - 13.15 Lunch

Daina Taimina and Inga Hamilton update (tables to show what they have made/achieved)

13.15 – 13.45 Discussion with Rachel Matthews and Dr. Mark Miodownik

13.45 - 14.15 Discussion with Jason deCaires Taylor & coral reef expert

14.15- 14.30 Coral Reef table challenges led by CoralCay and Inga Hamilton

14.30 – 15.00 Conclusion from Chair and Q & A to afternoon speakers

15.00 - 17.00 Viewing the Crochet Reef exhibitions at the Hayward Gallery and Royal Festival Hall

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