Imagined Landscapes is a two day symposium presented by Cumbria Institute of the Arts’ Centre for Landscape and Environmental Arts Research (CLEAR) in association with the Brera Academy, Milan. The symposium considers the work of leading international practitioners working between and across art forms and with new media technologies to create and explore imagined landscapes.

Aims:
The broad aim of the symposium is to examine the ways in which the artists explore the notion of the imaginary through their work and to critically reflect on how such works can help us to understand our relationship with landscape and the environment, opening up a site for critical exchange and creating opportunities for future practical exploration and theoretical engagement.

Format
The event will be focussed around a series of presentations from practitioners. In addition, interdisciplinary discussion sessions between artists, those exploring the dialogue between landscape and art within local academic institutions and theorists working within disciplines such as sociology, psychology and environmental science promise to widen the focus of analytical reflection and debate.

Featured artists
Artists contributing to the symposium include:

Studio Azzuro, Johannes Birringer, Anouk De Clercq, Charlotte Davies, Jorn Ebner, Igloo, Julian Oliver, Jen Southern, Trevor Wishart

Individuals engaging in discussion and debate with artists include:

Anotonio Cioffi, Lecturer and new media art critic, the Brera Academy, Milan; Carl Lavery, Lecturer in Theatre Studies, Lancaster University; Larry Sider, Director, School of Sound; Ian Thompson, Senior Lecturer in Landscape Architecture, Newcastle upon Tyne; John Urry, Professor of Sociology, Lancaster University; David Uzzell, Professor of Environmental Psychology, University of Surrey

Intended audience
The symposium will be of interest to artists, designers, new media art critics, curators and those interested in the sociology and philosophy of landscape.

Programme
The symposium will take place at CIA’s Carlisle site on Brampton Road. The event will begin at 1pm on 26th October and close at 5pm on 27th October 2006.

Price:
Places are available for £75 full price and £45 for concessions and include all presentations, discussions, meals and daytime refreshments.

Promoting Work
We recognise the important networking opportunity offered by the event and are therefore happy to showcase digital works by delegates on the theme of imagined landscapes, where possible. Delegates interested in having their work available at the symposium should contact the event organiser.

A provisional programme and further information on contributors, event location and how to book can be found on the Centre for Landscape and Environmental Arts Research website: www.clear.cumbria.ac.uk

For all enquiries, please contact Charlotte Stuart, Research Assistant, Cumbria Institute of the Arts, Brampton Road, Carlisle, CA3 9AY, charlotte.stuart@btinternet.com, 01228 400318/ 07985 193 219