Many artists are fascinated with the imminent possibilities of designing life forms, but are we damaging or growing things? How can we open the lines of communication between Human/Nature/Technology? After all, our species have intervened into nature’s ways for a long, long time. Can we turn devastation into art? From agriculture and medical intervention to forestry and recycling older technologies, this millennial summit cultivated collaborations amongst artists, scientists, ecologists, technologists and developers from various industries who have interests in the accelerated growth of bio and nano technology. Participants of this Banff event were also encouraged to start their experience at the Zero Degree Monstrosities Festival in Vancouver and participate in the CodeZebra on-line discussion group, which continued after the event at Banff.

This event was a part of The Banff New Media Institute’s Human Centered Interface Project. The research initiative was made possible through the support of Alberta Science and Research Authority, Research Development Initiative, Out of the Box, SSHRC, in association with Telefilm Canada, sgi Canada, Alberta Foundation for the Arts, Montage, Silicon Valley North, Canada Council for the Arts, University of California DARNET, Free Radicals Framework Five and other partners.