Blast Theory is one of the leading artists’ groups in Britain making interactive performances, installations, video and mixed reality projects. Combining rigorous research and development with leading edge technologies, their practice ranges across media and disciplines, taking risks and encouraging critical debate.
The founding members of Blast Theory Matt Adams, Ju Row Farr and Nick Tandavanitj, were Adelaide Thinkers in Residence for three months in early 2004. Accompanied by members of the Mixed Reality Lab (University of Nottingham), Blast Theory developed I Like Frank in Adelaide - the world’s first mixed reality game on 3G phones.
ANAT was a major a partner in Blast Theory’s visit to South Australia and co-ordinated a Masterclass for Australian practitioners from January 13 – 15. The sixteen participants came from diverse creative backgrounds including wearable computing, software engineering, computer animation, filmmaking, new media and visual arts.
Participants in the ANAT Blast Theory Masterclass:
Bianca Barling (SA)
Troy Innocent (Vic)
Kirsten Bradley (Vic)
Annemarie Kohn (SA)
Leon Cmielewski (NSW)
James McCluskey (WA)
Brian Degger (SA)
Justin McGuiness (SA)
Michelle Glaser (WA)
Debra Polson (Qld)
Megan Heyward (NSW)
Derek Rogers (SA)
Karen Hughes (SA)
Sumugan Sivanesan (NSW)
Aaron Stafford (SA)
Following the Masterclass, five South Australian participants took part in an Attachment program in conjunction with the SA Film Corporation. The five artists who worked with Blast Theory on the development of I Like Frank in Adelaide were: Bianca Barling, Brian Degger, Annemarie Kohn, Justin McGuiness and Aaron Stafford.
The I Like Frank in Adelaide game was presented for the 2004 Adelaide Fringe from March 2 – 13.
The Blast Theory and Mixed Reality Lab residency was part of the Adelaide Thinkers in Residence Program in partnership with Adelaide Fringe 2004, Australian Network for Art & Technology (ANAT) Department of Education & Children's Services and South Australian Film Corporation. Host organisation for the residency was Technology School of the Future in Hindmarsh. The Blast Theory Masterclass and Attachment program was assisted by the Government of South Australia through Arts South Australia, Australia Council and the Australian
Film Commission.
http://www.blasttheory.co.uk/bt/work_ilikefrank.html
