Dr. Steven Kurtz, the artist accused by the US Department of Justice of “bioterrorism” stemming from his use of scientific materials in his award-winning art practice, joins
Eugene Thacker and
George Annas for a panel discussion on the ethics of scientific and creative research and freedom of speech, moderated by science writer
Carl Zimmer, with an introduction by
Amanda McDonald Crowley.
Kurtz, a University at Buffalo professor and founding member of the
Critical Art Ensemble, uses biological materials in educational exhibits and performances designed to inspire debate about political and social issues, including those surrounding new biotechnologies. In May of 2004, he was detained on suspicion of “bioterrorism” for his possession of a small laboratory and petri dishes containing bacteria cultures used in several of
Critical Art Ensemble’s projects. When these accusations proved groundless, he was then charged with mail and wire fraud—charges which carried a possible sentence of 20 years in jail under the USA PATRIOT Act. Earlier this month, a federal judge dismissed those charges; however, the US Department of Justice may still appeal the dismissal.
This
Upgrade! New York was a collaboration between
Eyebeam and the
World Science Festival, with additional support from the
Berkeley Center for New Media.
Related Links –
http://www.worldsciencefestival.com/
People:
Amanda McDonald Crowley,
Carl Zimmer,
Critical Art Ensemble,
Eugene Thacker,
George Annas, Steven Kurtz
Tags: 9-11, activism, bio terrorism, bio-art, fbi, political science, Upgrade!