“The Simulation Summit provided a relaxed and stimulating venue for artists and scientists to interact and derive new insights on the motivation and framing of their work. I’ve gained new perspectives on the work I do from this interaction and have been exposed to new ideas and views that will influence the way I do stuff in the future.”

~ John Dubinski, Dept of Astronomy & Astrophysics
University of Toronto, Ontario, Canada

In recent years, computer simulation has become a key strategy for representing complex phenomena within science, mathematics and society. Simulation is a growing part of cultural expression, from The Matrix to Permutation City, to computer games like The Sims to the return of historical cinema. Artists create re-enactment performances, using simulation to try to understand the past. Mathematicians and physicists simulate time and space beyond the fourth dimension. Social scientists and humanists make use of simulations as research tools to analyze historical phenomena, economic processes, linguistic occurrences and practices, historical crises and crimes. Simulation scientists are dedicated to advancing the use of modeling and simulation to solve real-world problems. This requires that the researcher first build a mental and then a virtual model.

This summit considered immersive virtual environments; simulation in multimedia entertainment; historical simulation in art and other cultural forms; next generation 3D imaging technologies and computer games. Summit participants also built a simulation of the summit itself as it developed.

“Banff New Media Institute is one of the few places in the world that interdisciplinary thinkers in the arts, sciences, research and technology fields from multiple cultures can come together and discuss salient issues and gain new perspective. I don’t believe that anyone can attend a BNMI event without having their world view significantly altered."

~ Celia Pearce, Arts Research Manager CAT (IT) 2
University of California, Irvine

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