ANAT is very pleased to have as special Guest Editor for this issue of Filter, Rebecca Cannon. Based in Melbourne, Rebecca is engaged with a diverse range of emerging digital media practices. With a particular interest in computer games as an artform, software licensing and censorship we knew that Rebecca would put together a great issue of Filter.
Rebecca has commissioned a fantastic selection of articles that explore the interest that Australian artists have in subverting and diverting game culture. Computer games as art has developed into a prominent genre in its own respect with much interest both in Australia and internationally. Recent events such as dlux Media Art’s Plaything, the t Nova Media event Gametime and Next Wave Free Play highlight the imaginative and critical approach that artists are taking towards gaming. ANAT would like to thank Rebecca for putting together such a strong issue of Filter that will no doubt contribute to the ongoing debate about computer games as art.
Sadly, this will be my last introduction to the Filter magazine, as I will be leaving ANAT in July 2005. After five years in the Executive Director’s Chair, it’s time to move on and hand the mantle on to another Director. I have very much enjoyed working with ANAT and have worked with many fantastic artists during my time here. ANAT is a small organisation yet its impact is felt far and wide. It has been a pleasure to lead the organisation and to see it grow over the last five years. Together with a team of fabulous staff members, I have been able to develop a range of programs that have supported both emerging and established artists.
We have established many new partnerships and networks across the cultural sector, science, digital media, education and other industries and have created opportunities for diverse individuals and organisations to work together. The field of art, science and technology and new media arts is incredibly vital and dynamic in Australia and some of our most interesting and visionary artists are working in the field. New media artists are incredibly resourceful and tenacious and despite recent changes at the Australia Council and the dismantling of the New Media Arts Board the field will continue to develop and flourish.
I would very much like to thank the staff and Board of ANAT whom I have worked with over the last five years and in particular ANAT Chairs Vicki Sowry, Kate Richards, Caroline Farmer and Linda Carroli. I would also like to thank our funding bodies Arts SA and New Media Arts Board of the Australia Council and in particular Alex Hurford and Andrew Donovan for their ongoing support of and commitment to ANAT.
I look forward to continuing dialogues and working relationships with ANAT members, new media artists and colleagues. My next ‘project’ is curating Artists’ Week for the Adelaide Festival 2006, so I look forward to seeing many of you in Adelaide in March next year and at future new media arts events!
Julianne Pierce
Julianne was ANAT’s Executive Director from 2000 – 2005
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