Fusedspace

In what way can new technology be of use to contemporary and future public domain? The competition, Fused Space, which sought innovative new applications of new technology in the public domain, received 309 entries from 35 countries. In 2004 a jury short-listed 30 entries from 7 countries and on 27 August the exhibition,
Welcome to Fused Database , will open in the Stroom (The Hague). This exhibition will present all the short-listed entries. The short-listed proposals can be viewed on: www.fusedspace.org

Ulrika Wachtmeister’s Transitions was announced the winner. Her proposal envisages a public memorial space where the next-of-kin can scatter the ashes of their loved ones. Instead of tombstones, her design uses flaming torches in memory of the departed. These flaming torches can be lit up from a distance, through a memorial site on the Internet. Other winners included the Amsterdam artists duo, Joes Koppers and Susann Lekas (second prize) for their project ‘Public Expanse/Optional Time’ and Marcus Kirsch (United Kingdom, third prize) with his ‘Úrban Eyes’.

As of 27 August 2005 the Fused Space project will conclude with the exhibition 'Welcome to Fused Space Database', which will showcase all the projects. This exhibition - which was made by 'Team Science Fiction’ under the auspices of the Jan van Eyck Academy, a post-academic institute for research and production, in Maastricht – will be held in the new exhibition space of The Hague’s Stroom.

In 2004 the Dutch Electronic Arts Festival (DEAF '04), which took place in Rotterdam’s Van Nelle factory, further focused on 8 Fused Space projects, including three winners. Artists and experts, among them Mirjam Struppek, held presentations on the themes of new technology and public domain. ( see www.interactionfield.de )

Fused Space is an initiative of Stroom HCBK, SKOR and the Premsela Stichting voor Nederlandse vormgeving (foundation for Dutch design), in collaboration with V2- Instituut voor de Instabiele Media (institute for unstable media), DEAF '04 and Doors of Percaption. Fused Space was co-financed by the Mondriaan Stichting (Mondriaan Foundation), the Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds (Prince Bernhard Culture Fund) and the city of The Hague.