ATHENS — What does artificial intelligence have in common with jazz music? How did the Covid-19 pandemic affect creativity and experimentation? Can robots develop artistic tendencies? Are science and art two unrelated worlds, or do they complete each other?

We tend to associate science with logic, objectivity and rules, and art with imagination, subjectivity and freedom. However, if we take a closer look, we realise that these two worlds do not oppose each other, but they are indeed complementary. 

This year, Athens Science Festival will attempt to explore and highlight that complementarity between art and science. From March 27th to 29th, 2021, ASF returns, online and in live broadcast from Technopolis City of Athens, to introduce us to "An era of Heroes". Through exciting live talks and innovative digital events, the largest science festival in Greece will present the latest developments in the relationship between science and art by asking original and intriguing questions to those innovating in the field. ASF 2021 has the honour to host exciting contributions of distinguished artists, thinkers and scientists from all over the world. Among them:

Diana Ayton-Shenker, a renowned professor at the Arizona State University and CEO at Leonardo, the International Society of Arts, Sciences, Technology, will explore and present emerging trends in the arts, science and technology fueled by global crises currently affecting humanity. The discussion will focus on the Covid-19 pandemic and its implications for creative innovation.

The distinguished Professor of History and Philosophy of Science at the University College of London and acclaimed author, Arthur Miller. In his talk, “Τhe World of AI-Powered Creativity” he will make us wonder if the machines will eventually need to develop emotions and consciousness to become genuinely creative.

The Festival will also feature the medical illustrator who created the most widely recognised SARS-CoV-2 image globally, Alissa Eckert. Through the example of the new coronavirus’ visual representation, Eckert will reveal the secrets, the role and the importance of art illustration in science.

Dimitri Vassilakis and his team also promise to amaze us. They invite us to experience a subversive mix of technology and music through the imaginative concert “Jazz improvisation and AI interaction”. Approaching jazz improvisation as a narrative, the charismatic musician, researcher and Professor at the Department of Music Studies of the National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, will entertain us while highlighting innovative applications of artificial intelligence in unexpected fields.

Despite their apparent contrast, art and science are complementary concepts, and their combination leads to impressive results. Let’s explore their multidimensional aspects with a single click in an exciting event: Athens Science Virtual Festival 2021!

*Athens Science Festival is organised on an annual basis by the educational organisation “SciCo – Science Communication”, the British Council, and Technopolis City of Athens with the invaluable contribution of a plethora of academic, research, and educational institutions. The strategic partner of the Athens Science Festival 2021 is the National Technical University of Athens. The Festival is conducted under the auspices of the Ministry of Digital Governance and the General Secretariat of Research and Innovation.

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Watch Athens Science Virtual Festival 2021 video:

Information:

https://www.athens-science-festival.gr/en/festival/

When: Saturday, 27 to Monday, 29 Μarch, 2021Attendance: Tickets from 5€ & Free parallel actions

*Pre-booking will start soon.