Art and Science Collaborations Identifying and interrogating diverse science and technology practices, and how science and art can collaborate will be a component of the Masterclass. As with the 1999 ANAT National Summer School , participants will gain access to skills in a number of diverse areas such as scientific visualisation techniques and software, computer programming and modelling languages, sound, visual and web-based computer media, evolutionary approaches to computer programming, cognitive science and philosophy of mind. Focus on Indigenous artists needs Following on from ANAT's highly successful National Indigenous School in New Media Arts , a component of the Masterclass will also be specifically developed for Indigenous artists. Indigenous artists with an interest in new media technologies often feel locked out of this developing area. Therefore, the creation of a supportive and culturally aware environment for the duration of the Indigenous components of the International Masterclass is integral to the successful outcomes of the project.
Indigenous artists are, of course, also able to apply to all other aspects of the masterclass.
In line with ANAT's focus, during 1999 on developing links and connections in the Asia Pacific Region, a component of the Masterclass will interrogate possibilities for exchange and exploration between Australian technology based artists and artists and organisations in Asia and the Pacific regions. This component of the project will explore the kinds of technology-based art practices and modes of organisation which are most appropriate for developing collaborations across this geographic region. Whilst the Masterclass project will be open to participants from across the globe, participants from this geographic region will be prioritised. ANAT have identified that one of the main obstacles associated with curatorial reticence with regard to new media work is a lack of understanding of the technical issues associated with their exhibition. Alongside the development of critical discourse, demonstrating recent works and outlining presentation requirements for art and technology and new media arts practices , this component of the project aims to give participants an introduction to the techniques associated with installing this technology.