"In the complex, international world that we live in, we need knowledge and ways of working that stem from deep within and across disciplines. We need to cherish and acknowledge our differences and similarities. This year BRIDGES brings together an unprecedented array of talent. We include contributors from every continent and from Aboriginal communities from many nations, as well as a strong base of Canadian talent. We are proud to have worked with our collaborators to initiate a dialogue at this level, in the beautiful mountains of Banff," says Conference chair, Sara Diamond, artistic director and executive producer of Media and Visual Arts at The Banff Centre.

The 2002 conference, BRIDGES II, has expanded to include computer science and engineering, as well as physic, mathematics and earth sciences. BRIDGES II considers the innovation agenda in a time of global war; health and body presence in technology research; new forms of teaching and learning; cross-disciplinary research tools and networks; ways that science approaches and understands the arts, amongst other topics.

BRIDGES II is presented in collaboration with the University of Calgary, the University of Southern California (Annenberg Center) and with the support of the National Research Council, Canada Council, and the Rockefeller Foundation. In this spirit of collaboration, BRIDGES II maintains the importance of sharing not only knowledge and resources, but also cultural practices, methods and languages. Over 100 internationally renound artists and scientists are attending BRIDGES II, including Michael Century, Ricardo Dal Farra, Taki E’Bwenze, Tapio Makela, David Rokeby, Simon Penny, Sha Xin Wei, Ron Wakary, Alison Craighead and Jacquelyn Ford Morie.

For audio streaming, transcripts, online forum and chat, visit www.banffcentre.ca/bnmi/bridges