tech art fest
23 Feb / 4:00pm-7:00pm / WESTGATE SHOPPING CENTRE
Prosthetic Futures with Simon Hall
Prosthetic futures is an art/science research project exploring innovations in reconstructive prosthetics through emerging technologies.
- How can collaboration between diverse fields—like art, science and healthcare—lead to ground-breaking advancements in prosthetics?
- What role do you think community input should play in the development of future prosthetic designs?
- What questions do you have about the integration of immersive technologies in the prosthetic experience?
What it’s about
Prosthetic futures is an art/science research project exploring innovations in reconstructive prosthetics through emerging technologies.
During the project journey, a diverse team of service users with personal experience of prosthetics, artists, health professionals and reconstructive scientists are collaboratively crafting novel artistic creations to reflect upon the embodiment and senses of future prosthetics.
Prosthetics are bespoke handmade body parts crafted for individual needs. They are artistic pieces created in collaboration with a scientist that are moved, handled, and live up to daily tasks unique to the owner. Novel technological approaches are opening new pathways to explore what prosthetics can mean for a user and how they are created.
New materials science, digital 3D design and immersive technologies are transforming the landscape and provide tools to problem solve, whilst maintaining traditional craft-based skills. Together they offer a glimpse into what may be possible in our changing world.
This talk will end at 5pm after this there will be networking from 5pm - 7pm which is open to all.
What to expect
During the workshop, you'll gain insights into how art and science intersect in reconstructive prosthetics. Through presentations and demonstrations, a diverse team will showcase innovative designs, new materials science, digital 3D techniques, and immersive technologies shaping the future of prosthetics. You'll also explore the sensory and personal significance of bespoke, handmade prosthetics and participate in discussions on their transformative potential.
This event is for adults aged 18+ and is aimed at young professionals, businesses in creative tech, and educators exploring the future of art and technology.
WHEN
Sunday 23rd February
4:00pm - 7:00pm
WHERE
Unit 10, Westgate Shopping Centre, Basildon, SS14 1WP
BOOK YOUR PLACE
About the speaker
Simon Hall
I am a visual artist, art/science researcher and GP dual qualified in both medicine and dentistry. My socially engaged arts practice and curiosity driven arts research utilises craft, sculpture, installation, emerging digital technologies and bio-art. With multi-faceted interdisciplinary experience, my work often transects arts and medical spaces to explore issues of stigma and identity.
My collaborative arts practice draws in diverse project partners including charities, academic institutions and the general public to produce interactive arts experiences. My work playfully and experimentally explores at the transection of disciplines, crafts using materials developed within science environments and connects through storytelling.
About the organiser
Connor Turansky
Connor Turansky (he/him) is an Essex-based visual artist and educator working at the intersection of technology and art. With a Master’s in Photographic Arts from the University of Westminster, Connor combines photographic methodology with mixed reality, paper engineering, electronics and projection mapping to explore themes of simulation, perception, wonder and accessibility.
As a neurodivergent artist, Connor applies anti-gatekeeping pedagogy to make tech-art practices inclusive. He leads the Emerging Media Space at the University of Westminster and collaborates with organisations to create accessible workshops. His work has been exhibited across the UK, including projects featured at Peckham Digital and the V&A South Kensington.
Currently, Connor is programming Tech Art Fest 2025, building a community workshop at his studio in The Blokhouse CIC, and caring for his pet chickens.