Recipients of $10,000 Art Prize Announced

Hundreds of landscape videos taken from webcams will be used to create a unique new image of the world now that Cooper Battersby and Emily vey Duke have been named the recipients of the 2005 Aliant New Media Prize.

Mr. Battersby and Ms. vey Duke received the $10,000 award to create A Year in the Life of the World, an immersive, multi-channel video installation. They will create a new map of the earth by arranging 500 video landscapes, chosen from 2,000 webcams from around the world, within a fabric, domed room.

"Aliant is pleased to sponsor the Aliant New Media award and to be associated with an innovative and creative project," said Bruce Lilly, regional manager, Aliant. "A Year in the Life of the World is a fascinating use of technology and a visual representation of how the Internet has shrunk our world and removed distance as a barrier. On behalf of our employees and retirees, I want to congratulate the artists on their success."

The images from the webcams will be rear-projected on the surface of the dome according to their geographical locations. This will create a rough map of the world with the continents' contours created by a mass of moving landscapes.

The videos depict the passage of one year across the face of the planet. One full cycle passes in just over 60 minutes. With the sun always rising or setting somewhere in the domed environment, it is possible to watch the path of the sun as it sweeps across the face of the earth.

"We are so honoured to receive this generous and prestigious prize from Aliant," said Mr. Battersby and Ms. vey Duke. "It is especially valuable here in the Maritimes, a region that's been generating exceptional artists -- really against all odds -- for generations. We are grateful to have had access to the resources at the Centre for Art Tapes and the Khyber Digital Media Centre. We would also like to extend our thanks to the artists and educators who have made it possible for us to work with these technologies: Kathleen Tetlock, Jan Peacock, David Clark and Rita McKeough."

The $10,000 award, administered by the Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage, recognizes art projects that focus on media interactivity directly using computing and communications technologies.

"The art work of Emily vey Duke and Cooper Battersby are an excellent example of the potential of new media technologies," said Kelliann Dean, deputy minister of Tourism, Culture and Heritage. "The fact that they have cited the Centre for Art Tapes and the Khyber Digital Media Centre, two previous prize recipients, as resources shows how this recognition can help encourage growth in the new media world. We're pleased to partner with Aliant to bring this prize to Nova Scotia's arts community."

As in previous years, a committee was assembled to review all Aliant New Media Prize applicants. The committee included individuals with strong credentials and experience in new media and the arts who have been recognized for their commitment to advancing the arts in Nova Scotia.

The deadline for applications for the 2006 Aliant New Media Prize is Sept. 15. More information on the award is available on the department's website at www.gov.ns.ca/dtc . To learn more about Aliant see the website at www.aliant.ca .