LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (DEC): Giovanna Cerise & Fisicofollia

The Dec round of the LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES sees Giovanna Cerise bringing us 'Fisicofollia'.  A full list of the Series 3 offerings for the LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES can be found on the blog: LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (click here for full year schedule).


GRAND OPENING: Monday, 16th Dec @ 1.30 pm SLT
LOCATION: HERE ON LEA 6 


"Fisicofollia" by Giovanna Cerise :

Fisicofollia refers in a free way to the futurist theater and especially to the futuristic setting, drawn by Prampolini, Balla, Depero and of course Marinetti.

It is designed as a multi-dimensional performance space, in which light and shadow, color and movement are the protagonists. The scene expands to create a multiplicity of perspectives in a continuous emotional tension.

Lines, planes, shapes and colors combine alluding to an invention related to childhood and madness.

The visitor can interact with the environment simply going through it, resulting in different visual impressions. It is recommended to activate the sound, to catch even the auditory sensations in the scene.

Opening:
Monday, 16th December 1.30 pm slt.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/LEA6/105/16/21

A UWA 3D Creation Challenge: What Makes Us Human (L$268K Prize Pool)

A UWA 3D Creation Challenge:

What Makes us Human?

UWA Encourages you to Create a Model, Animation, or Simulation that reflects What Makes Us Human at a Cellular, Organ or System Level

December 1st 2013 – February 28th 2014

Prize pool: L$268,750

Open to Everyone

You be the teacher!

Models that simulate and models that stimulate! Your models can be interactive!Imagine riding a blood corpuscle through a three storey high heart, watching from “inside” the brain as an aneurysm bursts (a “stroke”).

OVERVIEW

“What Makes Us Human?” is an event run by UWA and sponsored by the School of Anatomy, Physiology and Human Biology as well as the School of Physics. We encourage you to create a model, animation or simulation that reflects what makes us human at a cellular, organ, or system level. We encourage you to create fairly accurate or representative creations or models that can be used for teaching. The aim is to enable others to learn anatomical, histological, developmental and/or physiological concepts about the human body from your work.

Entries can be submitted anytime between the 1st of December 2013 and the 28th of February 2014. Entries should have no more than 300 prims. There is no limit on the number of entries you can submit. Entries will be displayed at the UWA Virtual Gallery.

HOW TO ENTER:

Fill out the Creator's Notecard form (available from the entry drop box, or create a new notecard with your name, the title and description of your entry, a bried bio (optional) and your rl city location (optional)) and include it with your entry. Be sure to include your name and the name of your entry in the filename of the notecard.

Place the model in the contest entry receiver at UWA Gallery HERE http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/UWA/64/132/250:

• Select your item from inventory while holding down the CTRL key
• Drag the file from your inventory to the contest entry billboard prim.
• The outline of the billboard should turn red. You may then release your mouse button and your entry will be deposited. 
• Do the same with your Creator's Notecard. 
• Mod/copy perms are appreciated, so entries can be displayed via temporary rezzers. This will allow for a greater number of prims/land impact for individual entries, if mod is not possible copy is adequate

If you have problems with the receiver drop the model into the inventory of FreeWee Ling (UWA Curator of Arts) or Jayjay Zifanwe (Jay Jay Jegathesan: UWA in Second Life Founder & Lead) along with a note card stating the name of the model/animation/simulation and the creator.

SUGGESTIONS

Histology (convey the microscopic structure of human tissues)

Nervous System: What are the various representations of different types of neurons?
Integumentary System: What are the structural differences between the layers of epidermis (skin)?

Muscular System: Examine structural differences and/or similarities between skeletal, cardiac, and smooth muscle cells.

Anatomy (convey the gross structure of human body parts) & Histology

Embryology & Foetology: What are various stages of embryonic and foetal development? Perhaps look at the transformation from embryo to foetus.

Anatomy

Skeletal System: What are the components of the human skeleton?

Present the anatomy of various types of joints.

Physiology (convey the processes that enable the human body and its components to function):

Nervous System: What are some of the neural pathways that enable us to perform day to day cognitive and motor functions?

Circulatory System: How does blood circulate through our body to meet the metabolic needs and maintain the normal function of cells/organs/and bodily systems.

Anatomy & Physiology

Circulatory System: How does the heart operate, and what are its different chambers and valves?

Histology, anatomy, and physiology are disciplines that go hand in hand. It is only natural that you may construct entries that draw on more than one of these disciplines in order to facilitate the learning of concepts.

Furthermore, you could also think outside the box. You can portray/convey the difference between normal features and functioning, and the abnormal or dysfunctional.

Other topics could include representations of anatomy, physiology and histology pertaining to the following systems: Digestive, Endocrine, Exocrine, Immune,  Lymphatic, Reproductive, Respiratory, Urinary, Visual

PRIZES:*

1^st L$81,250 (~$330 USD)

2^nd  L$62,500 (~$255 USD)

3^rd  L$37,500 (~$150 USD)

4^th  L$18,750 (~$75 USD)

5^th  L$12,500 (~$50 USD)

Anatomy Special Prize: L$18,750 (~$75 USD)

Histology Special Prize: L$18,750 (~$75 USD)

Physiology Special prize: L$18,750 (~$75 USD)

Total Prize Pool = L$268,750 (~$1,090 USD)

*(Prizes will be awarded in Linden Dollars. US Dollar equivalents are shown for reference.)

Contest Entry Rules (ESSENTIALS):

• By submitting an entry, you agree to allow the University of Western Australia to use your model/animation/simulation for teaching and learning purposes, and for promotion of UWA's programs.
• Maximum land impact for any entry is 300. Mod/Copy perms are appreciated so we can rez/remove entries on demand, however, if mod is not possible, copy is appreciated.
• Size is not technically limited, but may not interfere with other exhibits or activities on the sim. 
• Script lag, light or particle emitters, or sounds should be confined to the area of the entry.
• Contact FreeWee Ling, curator, regarding any special requirements such as orientation, media parcels, environmental needs, etc. 
• We encourage the submission of all-original work. If any component of your entry is the result of rendering work that has originated from another author, whether or not it is under copyright, you must have permission to use it and acknowledge the original author of the component.

Judging Panel:

Professor Stuart Bunt (Anatomy)

Professor Geoff Meyer (Histology)

Assistant Professor Gavin Pinniger (Physiology)

Jay Jay Jegathesan (Founder & Lead - UWA in Second Life)

FreeWee Ling (UWA Second Life Curator & Designer)

Teresa Clune (UWA APHB Contest Administrator)

ENTRIES CLOSE FEBRUARY 28^th 2014

Cranial nerve models, like the one pictured in the competition poster, can be viewed at the University of Kentucky’s Cranial Nerve Skywalk in Second Life. To teleport there, click HERE.

November LEA FULL SIM Art Review of The Machine at LEA 6 by Victoria Lenoirre

Hi UWA Art Enthusiasts! Sorry I'm late submitting my review, real life has gotten a bit crazy. I am so pleased to be reviewing the full sim installation called The Machine by Lilia Artis and Moeuhane Sandalwood!!!!

Here's what it says in the notecard I was given:

 What if a society sets progress through technology as their top priority? Perfection above everything else?

   In “The Machine” by Lilia Artis and Moeuhane Sandalwood visitors are greeted by a possible result of that strife for perfection. An ethereal world that comes alive through the extensive power of the joined minds of its inhabitants.
  
 The visitors are subsequently invited to pull out their inner archeologist and ethnologist. And go on an exploratory trip down through several sublevels of history. To unearth the secret behind that seemingly perfect world.
  
 Because: What we see on the top floor is just a blink of an eye. It is a depiction of the everyday life of a people in a distant future.
  
 Even though that population on the top level does not seem to care about their past, it still remains integrated into their “machine” – hidden in the lower levels. The encumbrance of the past might one day reappear to haunt them. It might just become a burden on their next generation – once it breaks through the floors of time.
  
 How to visit the installation: On every “generation’s” level there is a spot where a former generation found its way to the new level. Sometimes it’s a bit hidden, because nobody used it anymore for decades or even centuries. Look for stairs, elevators, holes in the ground, etc.

The creatures have created a perfectly functioning world. They live in the ever present. As a sound community. With joined minds and spirits. Interconnected. Completely. They run the machine – and are run by the machine. They are the machine. The peak of innovation. The end of evolution. Their creation.
They are a society without memory. Their history a mere shadow. Because there is no need to remember. Why remember what is of no value. They are perfect.


****

The landing area is in an area like a courtyard. The walls are textured with a mixed violent, lavender and light blue shade. On the floor is a poster that says to click it for hints to find the four levels of the installation. Sounds like fun!

The first level is accessed by a broken elevator. You fall down through the floor and you're in the second level. A bright pink arrow directs you to step into the opening. Down, down, down you plummet until you touch the ground.

Broken Elevator on the landing level

The second level is a large maze. You need to find your way through it to the back wall to reach the third level. It reminds me of an engine room.The floor texture is a thick strand of wires in yellow, red, and black. The light blue animated texture on the wall makes me think of an electric current. Entry is by way of a grey staircase.

The grey staircase reminded me of a subway staircase that leads you underground to the subway station. This third level made me think of a stone quarry. Everything is grey, except for the shiny railings on the staircase. In the middle of the room is an empty chamber with bars on the window. It looks like an empty jail cell. The door is open and the hole on the ground leads you to the fourth and final level. Hand and legs cuffs are still hanging on the back wall. On the roof are two satellite dishes and antennas. The area looks so deserted and empty, devoid of life. The freight elevator's door is slightly ajar, like someone forgot to close it.

Third level/Third generation

So let's descend to the fourth level. You fall down a hole, a stonewalled hole, like an excavation site hole. The wall at your back is constructed with solid stone. This last level looks decrepit and decayed. A pile of bones lie to one side, on your left. You find yourself standing in brown water and wow, what is in the water? A closer look reveals that they are dead bugs. I identified dead ants and dead spiders. This level is so deadly that not even the bugs can survive.

Old, vacant houses are up ahead. The houses are squished into huge boulders. The water is now an unearthly green. It glows like toxic waste chemicals. When you walk past two of the houses, the water reverts back to the brown bug-filled water.

Fourth level/Fourth Generation

Here I go with my questions, but first a prelude from the artists:


- Our intent was to present the history of a society in a far away future. We decided to tell the story of that society backwards. Which means the visitor takes up the role of an archaeologist or ethnologist. On his or her journey down through the 4 levels he or she discovers more and more of the history of the mysterious society.
Our installation is basically a game of search and discovery. Like if you were an archaeologist discovering the city of Troy. The visitor is basically part of one big historic novel.
The artistic twist in our 'Troy' is the paradox that the 'futuristic' people don't care at all about their past, yet integrated their whole history fully into their 'machine'.

We worked with colors and lights to underline that paradox.
We painted the present and the early past of that society in bright colors. It could depict their view of this fantastic future - or maybe be a lure for the people to give up their lives, bodies and free will to technology.
In the lower levels - the darkness and shadows underline the problematic nature of their 'progress'.

We gave the world this monumental feeling. Every level is grand and vast. It should represent the complexity of this society, the enormous amount of achievement through technology - and also, subsequently the enormous amount of (sociological) failure.
Because in the end the visitor will discover that the 'perfection' of that people was achieved at a very high price. They ruined the environment - and took the free will of the people. Their 'perfect' society - that is depicted on the top level in such delicate and ethereal colors - in fact bases on a fascist regime.


Why would a perfect society not want to be remembered?


- Oh, it is the other way around. Because this society thinks it is perfect, the peak of evolution, it sees no point in remembering its own past. They see no point in learning from the past, because they think they don't have to progress anymore.
We, Lilia & Moe, on the other hand think it is vital to always integrate the past in the thoughts about the future. Because past mistakes might just come back to haunt you some time in the future. So this 'perfect' society might in fact run into big problems some day. But we don't know yet. When we encounter them on LEA6, they seem to be doing fine.


What happened to cause all the things like the elevator to break?


- Please think of the 4 levels as many generations of history. The ground level, which looks like a memory of our present times, presumably lies many hundred years in the past of that society's history. The people left this level behind many generations ago.
This is also true for the second and third level. And because they left these levels several generations ago - things there weren't used and not kept up anymore. So these things - like the elevator you mentioned - eventually broke.


What do your creatures wear?


- The creatures on the top level are just heads with big brains. Apparently there's no need for clothing. Through their history they first got rid of their arms and legs and replaced them with artificial ones (Level 2). Later they seem to have merged into complete cyborgs (Level 3). We cannot find any of those in level two. But the alcoves (that may remind us of the Borg-Cyborgs in the Star Trek Universe) give a hint in that direction.
On ground level - the level that may remind us most of our present time, the people probably wore clothes that were similar to ours.


Is the machine the thing that keeps the creatures alive?


- That has not been completely discovered in our story ... But yes, it seems that way. The creatures say 'the only thing left to do is to keep the machine running that keeps us running'. It is believed that they are in a kind of symbiotic relationship with the machine. Their brain-waves seem to feed the machine's energy source - at the same time the source seems to feed them back. So its kind of a self-sufficient system. But more research is needed, because the people seem to have no interest in talking to strangers (Other than the few words that are known from the poem).


What / Where is their life source?

- The machine is their life source. And it appears that the whole thing is considered as being 'the machine'. Even they themselves. They are part of it.


Will there be a destruction ceremony like we saw with Haveit Neox's Second Libations? Walking through your sim and reading about what your work is about, really reminded me of it.

- No, we're sorry, there will not be a destruction ceremony. Due to an extremely busy RL we unfortunately won't have the time to even think about such an event.
- And no, we did not have a build of another artist in our mind when we built it. In fact Moe has never visited Second Libations. Whereas Haveit's world was three different segments in one time, our build goes back through several centuries, showing four stages of its history, it gives the visitor the ability to time travel: you arrive in the future and go back in history and try to find out like an archaeologist what happened, following the hints we hid in each level. We always wanted to install a whole world giving the visitor a sense of time and space.


Where else do you have work set up for viewing?


- Moe's work is presently displayed in his own Gallery on Mainland (􀀀) as well as on Timamoon, Chelsea, Kelly Yap's and is hung in many galleries and homes across the grid.
- Lilia presently shows at Timamoon. - I had to close my gallery Flapping Dog recently when due to a few very demanding months in RL we had to give up our sim half Artwood on the Space 4 Art sim. Some of my installations and pictures are shown on ACC Alpha and Sparquerry, info is available in my picks.

Both have been present at more than one SL-Burn and UWA Challenges. Moe has shown on UWA-Full-Sim before as part of the Aeonia Artist group (which doesn't exist anymore) - and has been part of many festivals and invitationals across the grid.


What are your favorite sims in SL?


- Lilia: ACC Alpha and Sparquerry. Though there are no doubt lots of wonderful and interesting sims throughout the grid, but these two are the ones where I keep coming back, where I feel connected and somehow at home.
- Moe: It's hard to name any of the countless sims by great builders I have photographed in the past. Maybe Pteron, where I always loved to wander about. But: I especially love all the short-lived projects that show great artist's talents here in SL.


Who are your favorite artists that inspire you?

- Lilia: Haveit Neox and Nessuno Myoo, Yooma Mayo, Scottius Polke and Bryn Oh. I love their imagination, their eye for details and above all that they tell stories with their art and often enough with a fine humour included. Actually there are many more artists who's work I love but naming them all would be a blogpost on its own.
- Moe: There are so many great artists in Second Life - and I can learn from almost all of them. I will settle now for the wit and playfullness of Scottius Polke, Yoa Ogee and Yeti Bing, the precision of Harter Fall, the rich colors of Fuschia Nightfire, the layerwork of Sledge Roffo, the primperfectness of Nessuno Myoo, the strong lines of Ally Aeon, the delicacy of Giovanna Cerise and the loving detail of Claudia222 Jewell.



I'll let you know if I have more questions. Thank you so much!

Victoria Lenoirre



You are always welcome to ask in case you have more questions! Thank you for taking the time!
Moe & Lilia



Moe and Lilia would like to thank the many people who have made their work possible.

Our sincerest thanks go out to:
   - Jayjay Zinfanwe and UWA for having us here
   - The LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES committee for giving us the chance
   - Harter Fall and Haveit Neox for their words of support, encouragement and feedback
   - Derek Michelson for his mindblowing mover-script (we’d still be setting up if it were not for you!)

Related Information:
   - Brain Machine Interface Conference 2013: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sh6Uuy8yAxI
   - A Brain-to-Brain Interface for Rats – The Scientist: http://bit.ly/YKgKen (Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ld_9CnH9m9I)
   - A Brain-Machine Interface Enables Bimanual Arm Movements in Monkeys - Science: http://bit.ly/HI2y0h
   - Menschenversuche – Eine Anthologie (1750 – 2000), Suhrkamp 2008, ISBN 978-9-518-29450-5 (http://bit.ly/u02kB3)
   - Bionic Woman and the Six Million Dollar Man: http://bit.ly/17LmwE8
   - Locutus of Borg (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ItHcsIHshhs)
   - Inspector Gadget: (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d6SwRsLiQaw)
   - Environment: Waste production must peak this century - Nature: http://bit.ly/1iv4aXd
   - Greencross - The world’s worst 2013: The Top Ten Toxic Threats: http://bit.ly/177Wyds

Additional Sources:
   - Trash-Textures on ground level are derived from pictures taken by Wolfgang Sterneck and shared with CC license on flickr: http://bit.ly/1dV4nCS

A great big thank you to Moeuhane Sandalwood and Lilia Artis! Come see The Machine at LEA 6 now! It comes down at the end of this month! Come visit here!

Have fun and enjoy the art!

~Victoria Lenoirre

LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (NOV): Lilia & Moeuhane's 'THE MACHINE' - FINAL WEEK

Machinima by Haveit Neox

The Nov round of the LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES sees the dynamic duo of Lilia Artis & Moeuhane Sandalwood   bring us 'The Machine'.  A full list of the Series 3 offerings for the LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES can be found on the blog: LEA FULL SIM ART SERIES (click here for full year schedule).


GRAND OPENING: Sunday, November 10 @ 1 pm SLT
LOCATION: HERE ON LEA 6 


"The Machine" by Lilia Artis & Moeuhane Sandalwood :

We have solved all our problems. Thanks to our ingenuity.
We have cured all illnesses. Thanks to our technical savvy.
We have cheated death. Thanks to our code.
We invented the machine.
The only thing left to do:
Keep the machine running that keeps us running.

The creatures have created a perfectly functioning world. They live in the ever present. As a sound community. With joined minds and spirits. Interconnected. Completely. They run the machine – and are run by the machine. They are the machine. The peak of innovation. The end of evolution. Their creation.

They are a society without memory. Their history a mere shadow. Because there is no need to remember. Why remember what is of no value. They are perfect.

What if a society sets progress through technology as their top priority? Perfection above everything else?

In “The Machine” by Lilia Artis and Moeuhane Sandalwood visitors are greeted by a possible result of that strife for perfection. An ethereal world that comes alive through the extensive power of the joined minds of its inhabitants.

The visitors are subsequently invited to pull out their inner archaeologist and ethnologist. And go on an exploratory trip down through several sublevels of history. To unearth the secret behind that seemingly perfect world.

.

In Focus: The Centre for ME/CFS and Other Invisible Illnesses and The Freedom Project

Hi all! I want to share with you my conversation with Dianne Elton.

As you know, The Freedom Project is an art event hosted by the University of Western Australia in the name of disability and debilitating illnesses.

Freedom Project Kickoff ceremony (from left to right): Gentle Heron, Freewee Ling, Dianne Elton, and Jayjay Zifanwe

The Freedom Project is co-organized not just by the UWA and Virtual Ability but also by the Centre for ME/CFS and Other Invisible Illnesses.  The Centre for ME/CFS group in SL was founded by Kirsty Bearfoot.

At The Freedom Project opening ceremony I met Dianne Elton, a representative of the Centre for ME/CFS in Second Life.

Dianne Elton at The Freedom Project opening ceremony

Hi Dianne, it's Victoria from UWA blog. I'm sending you some questions about Centre and Freedom Project.

What is the Centre for ME/CFS all about? Who founded the organization and when? Is it a RL organization as well?

DE: The Centre for ME/CFS (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome), and Other Invisible Illnesses was founded by Dr. Kirsty Best, of the School of Media Communication and Culture at Murdoch University, Western Australia, as part of a research study entitled, “Illness, Isolation and the Internet”.  The study aimed to discover whether Second Life might help people with ME/CFS, and other invisible illnesses, overcome some of the isolation that illness causes.  I was a participant in this study.  It was my introduction to SL. 

The study ended some time ago and although only a very few of the participants of that study have stayed in SL, other people with ME/CFS and other invisible illnesses currently using SL, have joined the group and it remains quietly active (as befits a group of chronically ill peopleJ).

Murdoch University closed its presence in second life and the Centre for ME/CFS then transferred to Curtin University, (yet another Western Australian University with a presence in Second Life), and is now generously supported there.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bentley%20South/109/67/28

Whilst we do not have a real life organisation, there is a web page where members can post articles, and make comments.  The website was set up for those who cannot participate in SL, due to poor internet access, or because of their symptoms, they cannot tolerate the graphic stimulation of the virtual world.

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/mecfscentre

Activities at the Centre are based around helping and supporting fellow sufferers in managing and coping with their illness.  Guided relaxation sessions are held every day to help manage pain and symptoms.  These sessions are very popular and well attended.

Once a week there is a meeting open to all members, for companionship and to discuss anything new in the research of ME/CFS.  There is also a gallery of creative work done by sufferers.  It’s an inspiring and heartening collection of art, prose and music showing the strength and creativity of people living day to day with chronic illness.

We also have a book club, where we are reading an inspirational work by a woman living with ME/CFS.  The approach is to live a good and happy life despite illness.

There is a resource centre with information contributed by members on such topics as “treatments which have helped me”, “treatments which have not helped”, places to visit in SL, tips on using sl and many other resources. 

Games are included on the sim to help members suffering cognitive dysfunction and brain fog.

Everything at the Centre for ME/CFS and Other Invisible Illness, was suggested by the members themselves.  The centre was redesigned based on the requests and needs of members after extensive worships.

Relaxation Centre photo courtesy of Dianne Elton

What is your role in the organization?

DE: It was always the desire of the researchers who set up the project, that group members would eventually take over the running of the group.    Myself and Traskin Snakeangle, try, within the limitations and ups and downs of our health to fulfil that responsibility.  As all members are chronically ill, organisation of any event depends on the current state of health of those willing to “give it a go”. 

I also set up the Guided Relaxation Centre and facilitate this with three other members of the group.  We have about 100 guided relaxations to choose from, including:  to aid sleep, to cope with pain, guided imagery and relaxation, stress management, nature sounds to name just a few.  We also have guided relaxations available in different languages.

What is your education background and work experience from real life? How does your life experience help you at Centre for ME/CFS? How has Centre for ME/CFS improved your overall quality of life in either real life or second life?

DE: I was a teacher.  I have been in local politics and even ran my own business before falling ill.  Now I am housebound and often bedbound.  I don’t know that my education and work experience particularly helps me at the Centre for ME/CFS.  I enjoy the social contact and I tend to facilitate groups which help and work for me in coping with and managing my illness.  If it helps me, there is a good chance it will help some people with similar health issues. 

Where is the SL headquarters?

The Centre is located in Curtin University in Second Life.

http://maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Bentley%20South/109/67/28

Is there a website?

https://groups.google.com/forum/#!forum/mecfscentre

There is also a Facebook page where we post information about activities at the centre in SL.

https://www.facebook.com/ME.CFS

What do you enjoy most about working with others in the community? What do you dislike most from your time spent working with others and being in the community?

DE: I think that what I like most about working with others in the community, is the social contact and friendship with people right around the world.  I am housebound with illness and often bedbound, so if it was not for my computer I would have almost no social contact.  What do I dislike about being in the community?  Well, nothing really.  The only thing I don’t like is that my health can suddenly get much worse at any time and this can make it impossible for me to do anything on sl for months at a time.

Does the Centre host yearly events, seminars, conferences, contests, raffles, or fund drives?

DE: As previously mentioned we are all hampered by chronic ill health, so organising any event is particularly challenging.  We try to hold an “Open Day” on May 12^th, which is ME/CFS Awareness Day.  We have managed to host a visiting speaker, and one group member has, in the past, created some wonderful builds for us to enjoy at Halloween and Christmas. He also DJs on these occasions which is a treat for us.

An Australia Day party was also a highlight for members.  With most of these events we have been lucky enough to have healthy, able bodied people, such as the researchers and the builders do a lot of the organising for us.

We were supported firstly by Murdoch University and now by Curtin University and are extremely lucky not to have to try to raise funds to keep the group going.

Are there any special events in the fall and winter?

DE:Sometimes, if he is well enough, one of our members will organise a Halloween party and a Christmas party for us.

How can people contribute to the Centre?

DE: The Centre is funded by Curtin University, however contributions of time and effort by healthy volunteers would be most welcome particularly in organising events.

How did you become involved in The Freedom Project? Who approached you to help? How do you know Jayjay?

DE: I have known Jayjay since my first days in sl.  I had read in my local paper (The West Australian), that UWA had a presence in SL with a wonderful art project.  I teleported there and Jayjay came over to help me. We have been friends ever since.  I have particularly enjoyed visiting the UWA 3D art challenge over the years.  In real life, I live relatively close to the actual UWA.

What is your hope about the Project?

DE: I hope that people without illness or disability  will gain a new perspective, respect, admiration and understanding of what it’s like to live with illness and disability.

What are you hoping to see or looking for in the art and machinima?

DE: I hope to see people with illness and disability expressing themselves freely and creatively, (and giving themselves plenty of time to do so) and thoroughly enjoying the creative process.

Thank you so much, Dianne! You have been most kind. We look forward to seeing and enjoying all the art that is part of The Freedom Project. Success and happy creating to all involved with this lofty endeavor!

Have fun and enjoy the art!

Victoria Lenoirre

  

WD Project Sci-Fi (Register Now - Through Nov 15) - L$2.28 Million+ in Prizes

OVERVIEW
WD Project: Sci-Fi Film Challenge (Australia) 2013  is a Competition run by Screen My Shorts Inc in collaboration of WD (S.E.Asia Ltd). We invite entrants of all ages, cultures and ability to submit original creative digital content and win a share of the AUD 10,000 (L$2.28 Million) cash and prizes (with at least AUD 1,500 / L$230,000 reserved for Machinima), and have their works exposed on the international stage. 

The Machinima portion of this event is being run in association with the University of Western Australia. 

Science Fiction is the overall genre, and all who register will be allocated specific themes including Blue- ‘everyday life’, Green-‘the environment’, Black – 'speed & technology' and Red - ‘networks/connections’. Those who register are asked to nominate 2 of the themes, and the organisers will allocate one of the 2 nominated themes to entrants on the 1^st of November 2013. The entrant will be given full freedom to explore and interpret the theme allocated (you may be as creative as possible in your interpretation)

The closing date for all entries will be the 13th of December 2013, however we urge registrations to be submitted before the 15th of November of November by emailing the required details to jay.jay@uwa.edu.au or through the website: http://wdthepowerofchoice.com/projectscifi/

The overall competition is open to both conventional film and machinima. Machinima entries are in the running for the overall prizes, however special prizes are also set aside for Machinima entries only. There is a fee to enter conventional films, however the University of Western Australia will be sponsoring machinima entries, and as such the fee is waived for all machinima entries.

ESSENTIALS

1. Entry length to be between 3 to 10 minutes

2. If entering a promo - maximum length to be 30 seconds

3. All entries are to be made specifically for the ‘WD Project SciFi’ Competition

4. Register before the 15th of  November & nominate 2 of the listed themes (the 'Films' section of the detailed rules give examples of how the themes could be interpreted)

5. AUD 10,000 in Prizes available with at least AUD 1,500 reserved for machinima

6. Main website for challenge is  http://wdthepowerofchoice.com/projectscifi/

7. 2 Additional special prizes will be awarded to machinima that feature the UWA 'Centum' created by West Australian Artist, Len Zuks and brought into Second Life by FreeWee Ling. The Centum can be found HERE. You do not have to film the Centum in situ and may take a copy of it and film it in any location you choose.

 *This is not a continuation of the UWA MachinimUWA series, but a new collaboration with WD (S.E. Asia Ltd), hence the more detailed rules, etc as below. Should this venture be successful, it would mean a lot more funding being available for Machinima as well as more publicity available through conventional media.

HOW TO REGISTER

1. Send an email (or a NC inworld) with the following details to jay.jay@uwa.edu.au:

  * Second Life Name 
  * Team Name (If Applicable)
  * Email Address
  * City & Country
  * 2 Nominated Themes in Order of Preference (Blue, Green, Red or Black

2. Or via the website http://wdthepowerofchoice.com/projectscifi/

  * You only need to include the details listed above, and not all the info requested on the website, as   the personal details required on the website is applicable to entrants who are unable to provide a Second Life identity

DETAILED RULES, ELIGIBILITY, ETC

1. By submitting your Film to the Competition (hereafter known as an 'Entry') you ('You' or 'Your') are accepting these terms and conditions and any specific rules including the Competition's Guidelines instructions and other details relating to this Competition or to the prizes published on Our Website or Websites of Our partners/sponsors/associates (‘Partners’) and in any media which features this Competition (together the 'Rules' and Guidelines).

2. An Entry must, be Your own work, not be copied, not contain any third party materials and/or content that You do not have permission to use and not infringe on any copyrights. By submitting an Entry, Entrant agrees to the Official Rules, and further agrees to indemnify and hold Us, Project Parties and their respective affiliates, officers, directors, agents, co-branders or other partners, and any of their employees (collectively, the "Competition Indemnitees"), harmless from any and all claims, damages, expenses, costs (including reasonable attorneys' fees) and liabilities (including settlements), brought or asserted by any third party against any of the Competition Indemnitees due to or arising out of the Entrant's Entry materials in this Competition, or the Entrant's conduct during and in connection with this Competition, including but not limited to trademark, copyright, or other intellectual property rights, right of publicity, right of privacy or defamation. Entrant agrees to release, indemnify and hold harmless Us and the Competition Parties from any and all claims that any advertising, presentation, web content or any other material subsequently produced, presented, and/or prepared by or on behalf of Us or the Competition Parties infringes on the rights of Entrant's work as contained in any Entry. Entries must not be obscene, defamatory or in breach of any applicable legislation or regulations. The Film is to be rated PG, at most. If We have reason to believe Your entry is not Your own work or otherwise breaches this clause 2, then We may not consider it.

3. SMS and WD reserves in its sole discretion the right to not accept or disqualify any Entries that it does not believe are suitable for Project-SciFi (Australia).

4. We reserve the right to amend the Rules and Guidelines at any time.

5. Dates - The Competition:

• Register as soon as possible. Those registering before 1^st Nov will receive their theme after 7pm on the 1^st of November (those registering after will receive their theme as soon as possible after registration 

• Friday 1st November 2013 from 7.00 pm - Entrants receive their themes

• Finishes, Saturday 30th November 2013 at 12.00 midnight - Entries are to be uploaded to Youtube (private setting) with an emailed link sent to projectscifi@screenmyshorts.com by this time. Entries received after the Closing Date will not be considered.

6. You are responsible for the cost (if any) of sending Your Entry to us.

7. If You have any questions about the Competition, please e-mail us at Project SciFi (Australia) projectscifi@screenmyshorts.com  (or jay.jay@uwa.edu.au) with Project SciFi (Australia): Competition Question' in the subject line.

8. If You are submitting Your Film as a team, there needs to be a Team Leader designated who is responsible for completing the entry form online.

9. Entrants under 18 must have a parent or legal guardian must act as Team Leader and register via the online form.

10. By entering this Competition and taking part in the activities forming the prize/s, You agree to take part in or co-operate with a reasonable amount of publicity or other promotional activity on behalf of Us and agree that We may publish Your name/s and home town and any photograph/s, Film/s and/or recording made by Us or on Our behalf and featuring You and/or member/s of Your team.

11. The Competition is not open to employees, directors, management, agents,  licensees, retailers, suppliers and contractors of SMS, WD, Project SciFi (Australia), or any person directly or indirectly involved in the organisation or running of the Competition or their family members.

12. We reserve the right to verify the eligibility of Entrants at Our discretion.

13. You and your Entry - confirm and agree that:

●      You are eligible to enter the Competition
●      All Entry Form details are true and correct
●      Your Entry does not include any nudity or profanities, and does not otherwise defame, misrepresent, contain disparaging remarks or other content that could adversely affect the name, reputation or goodwill of SMS and WD, their Partners or anyone else
●      Your Entry does not contain pornographic or sexually explicit or hateful content that promotes  violence  or  harm,  or  any  other  offensive,  obscene  or  inappropriate  content (SMS and WD determines what is inappropriate)
●      Your Entry does not include threats and does not intimidate, harass or bully anyone
●      All performers in your Entry have given their written consent to the use of their performances in the Entry
●      You have obtained written consents from all contributors of copyright material used in Your Entry to their material being edited, altered and reproduced by You and anyone You permit to do this (including SMS and WD), to the extent permitted by applicable law
●      We retain the right to use Your Entry as we see fit without any obligation to any Third Party, their charges, other limitations or agreements.

Submissiom
1. By registering, You unconditionally indemnify Us and designated partners/parties and associates/representatives and hold harmless from any and all claims, damages or liabilities arising from or relating to such Entrant's participation in the Competition and must pay Us on demand the amount of all losses, liabilities, expenses and taxes that We may suffer (including the cost of settlement and any legal expenses on a full indemnity basis) because any of your representations or warranties are incorrect, You breach the Rules of Entry, or because of a claim or proceeding by another person against Us caused or contributed by You.

2. Register online…. Visit www.project-scifi.com. You will receive confirmation of your application with an invoice for the entry fee.

3. Payment - We only accept payments through PayPal. Cost to enter is AU$35.00 (includes GST). Students 18 years and under only pay AU$15.00 (includes GST). There will be no refund for withdrawal.

Note - The Machinima Award entries are supported by the University of Western Australia (UWA), therefore the fee is waived 

4. All entries are to be uploaded to Youtube (private setting) with an emailed link sent to projectscifi@screenmyshorts.com or jay.jay@uwa.edu.au by this time.

5. Submission

●      Save your film using the file name ‘Project SciFi 2013 ENTRY NAME’. Film format to be 16 x 9 aspect ratio with a frame size of 1280 x 720
●      Upload the video to your own YouTube channel using the following instructions: In the ‘TITLE’ area, use the same name as above i.e. ‘Project SciFi 2013 ENTRY NAME’
●      In the ‘DESCRIPTION’ area, please include the following info after your film description: ‘For more info on the Project SciFi 2013, please visit -www.project-scifi.com’
●      In the ‘TAGS’  area, please include the following: Project SciFi 2013

6. The Entrant should not distribute their film in any way before the premiere screening. This includes uploading the film to any website.

7. No Entries (media or documents) will be returned.

8. LIMITATIONS OF LIABILITY AND RELEASE: No liability or responsibility is assumed by Us or Competition Parties resulting from any user's participation in or attempt to participate in the Competition or ability or inability to upload or download any information in connection with participating in the Competition. No responsibility or liability is assumed by Us or Competition Parties for technical problems or technical malfunction arising in connection with any of the following occurrences which may affect the operation of the Competition: hardware or software errors; faulty computer, telephone, cable, satellite, network, electronic, wireless or Internet connectivity or other online communication problems; errors or limitations of any Internet service providers, servers, hosts or providers; garbled, jumbled or faulty data transmissions; failure of any e-mail transmissions to be sent or received; lost, late, delayed or intercepted e-mail transmissions; inaccessibility of the Web Site in whole or in part for any reason; traffic congestion on the Internet or the Web Site; unauthorized human or non-human intervention of the operation of the Competition, including without limitation, unauthorized tampering, hacking, theft, virus, bugs, worms; or destruction of any aspect of the Competition, or loss, miscount, misdirection, inaccessibility or unavailability of an email account used in connection with the Competition. We and Competition Parties are not responsible for any typographical errors in the announcement of prizes or these Official Rules, or any inaccurate or incorrect data contained on the Web Site. Use of Web Site is at user's own risk. We and the Competition Parties are not responsible for any personal injury or property damage or losses of any kind which may be sustained to user's or any other person's computer equipment resulting from participation in the Competition, use of the Web Site or the download of any information from the Web Site. By participating in the Competition, Entrant agrees to release, indemnify and hold Us and Competition Parties harmless from any and all claims, damages or liabilities arising from or relating to such Entrant's participation in the Competition.

Films

1. Filmmakers Entries - they may enter one or both films types
●      Filmmakers' entry is to be 3 to 10 minutes in length
●      Promo entry is to be a 30 seconds in length

Note - We also offer the choice for Entrants to make a 30 second promotion, as well as their 3 to 10 minutes short film, doubling the possibility of winning a prize and exposure.

Machinima Entry

●      Machinimographers' entry is to be 3 to 10 minutes in length

2. Films should be inspired by, or be relevant to, the central genre of 'Science Fiction' and must align to the theme allocated to the filmmaker as outlined in clause 3.

3.The Films should include the following Film Elements:

a)     The themed colour
b)    The themed genre

Films should be aligned to the theme allocated to the filmmaker:
1.     Blue – Themes from Everyday life
·       Sci-Romance – Love between Aliens, Robots and more!
·      Soft Science Fiction – Science and technology take a back-seat to character-driven plots. In soft SF, the how is much less important than the why. (Also known as SCI-Drama)
·      Sci-Comedy - Science fiction that is humorous in nature. The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy is a good example of SciFi Comedy.
·    Alternative Reality – The story that takes place in an altered or changed reality, but usually recognizable.

2.       Green – Themes about the Environment

·      Save the Environment – A theme focuses on saving the dying planet ecosystem
·   Apocalyptic / Post-Apocalyptic Sci-Fi - Stories about the extinction or near extinction of humankind either by forces of nature or by our own means. Post- focuses on telling the tale of the survivors of an apocalypse.
·       Zombie / Disease – A theme focuses on the effect of a disease in the future.
·       Monsters & Mutants – Following either mystery/horror/thriller genres regarding monsters/mutants made from science, environmental disaster or from space.

 3.     Black – Themes about Speed & Technology
·       Cyberpunk - Science fiction depicting the downside to technology and a bleak world, typically containing a dark atmosphere.
·       Spy-Fy - Science fiction about futuristic spies and espionage, and the effects of technological advancement on their professions.
·       Super Hero – Stories related to super heroes who get their powers from technology or because they are from another world. Focuses on characters like Iron Man, Green Lantern/Hornet, Men in Black
·       Robots / AI - Fiction in which the science of Artificial Intelligence and robotics is a central theme, typically relating to work of Isaac Asimov and the ideas advanced in his Robot stories.)

4.       Red – Themes about Networks/Connections
       Time Travel - A person or group of people travel either into the past or future.
·      First Contact / Alien - This sub genre imagines the various scenarios in which humanity makes     contact with other civilizations.
·       ESP Sci-Fi
·       Cyber-Crime – Crime themed Sci-Fi (especially using the internet or hacking)

4. Films must comply with the Competition Rules and the Competition Guidelines. Films will not be accepted if they include any excessive abusive, violent, offensive, bullying, harmful, insulting or inappropriate material and must not contain strong language or full nudity.

5. You agree to have Your Film shown on the Screening Website and commented on by users. The Film may also be displayed on other social networking sites and Project SciFi (Australia) exhibition platforms without limitation.

6. Entrants declare that they have obtained all required permissions and clearances with regards to music, sound and/or images and any other creative work presented in the Film.

Releases

1. Given the costly and time-consuming nature of clearing commercial music, We recommend Entrants use original and/or library, non-commercial, royalty free music in their Films, providing in all cases that any music has been cleared for use in this way by the Music Release Form. Participating groups are encouraged to work with a local composer and/or musicians to write and record music for the films. As with music, pre-recorded sound effects are allowed, but You must have rights to use them.

2. Entrants should ensure that all clearances in the Film allow for its use in all known media and internet platforms, throughout the universe in perpetuity to avoid clearance issues. All external media, locations, materials and actors featured in the film must be cleared using the appropriate Release forms.

3. Films should not contain any visuals or verbal references to any commercial brands, including large brand names on T-shirts, caps and other items of clothing, that may affect WD’s brand exposure within the competition. If You are unsure about any conflicts, please contact Project SciFi (Australia) organizing committee immediately to confirm your issue.

4. A collection of Project SciFi (Australia) Films and/or Promos will be chosen to screen at various WD promotional events or stands throughout 2013 and 2014. By taking part in the Project SciFi(Australia) Film  Competition, You are agreeing for Your Film to be publically screened by Us as we require/desire.

Judging

1. After the Competition closing date, the Films will then be processed by a judging panel, which may include representatives from the Film industry, associated and diverse professionals and Sponsors - the 'Judging Panel'. to create a shortlist ('Shortlist') from all Entries received.

Note: All judges are chosen for their experience and professionalism, from a varied range of industries and disciplines. Their decisions are final. All judging is done with complete confidentiality. No discussion between judges is entered into, under any circumstance . The shortlisted entries for The Machinima Award will be determined by a panel set up by UWA and passed on to the Judging Panel.

2. The Shortlist will then be reviewed by the Judging Panel who will vote on which of the shortlisted Films should receive nominations for the national awards ('Finalists').

3.The Finalists will be judged by the Judging Panel to establish the Awards recipients (‘Winners’). Details will be on the Website when available.

4.     Entries will be judged by a process in which qualified panels of judges will evaluate the eligible entries based on the following judging criteria:

- Artistic Merit (e.g. Story, Creativity, Entertainment Value) (45%)
- Technical Merit (30%)
- Adherence to the Assignment (25%)

In the event of a tie, the tie will be broken based on the highest score in the first Judging Criteria, continuing thereafter to each Judging Criteria in order, as needed to break the tie.

5. The decisions of the Judging Panel are final and no correspondence will be entered into.

6. Nominees for awards (Finalists) will be informed in good time before the National Awards Ceremony once the final nominations have been confirmed by the Judging Panel. Finalists may be required to provide follow-up documentation to show that all relevant clearances are in place before being officially nominated.

7. Finalists may be required to take part in reasonable publicity activities after the announcement of their award/s on behalf of Us.

8. Winners of awards agree to be filmed, photographed or recorded and grant Us, free of charge, the right to publish the winning Film in part or in its entirety, footage, photographs or audio online and in all media as required for the purposes of promoting the Competition and We may edit, adapt, translate or remove the Film at any time.

9. All nominated and winning Films will be kept by Us and made available to (amongst others) private showings to industry professionals, production companies, agents, distributors and exhibitors, and may feature in public screenings in all known media and internet platforms anywhere in the universe at any time.

10. Details of the winners can be obtained by sending a request by email to projectscifi@screenmyshorts.com  and will be posted on Our Website.

Prizes
1. Film awards at the final event (the 'Awards Ceremony') will be offered for Best Film and Runners Up in all categories. Other awards may also be given at the discretion of Us or the Judging Panel.

2. Prizes will be offered within 28 days of winners being notified of winning an award; if a prize offer is not accepted within a further 28 days it may be withdrawn.

3. Prizes will be listed on Our Website and below and are subject to change. We may add or withdraw prizes at any time during the Competition. In the event of unforeseen circumstances or circumstances outside our control, We may offer an alternative prize of equal value.

4. Prizes cannot be exchanged or transferred by You and cannot be redeemed by You for cash or any other prizes. You must pay all other costs associated with the prize and not specifically included in the prize.

              Award                                        Prize Cash         Prize Other

              Best Film                                    AUD $3,000       2 pieces x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

                                                                                              1 piece of 1TB WD Se Datacenter Hard Drive

              1^st Runner Up                            AUD $1,000         1 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

              2^nd Runner Up                           AUD $500            1 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

              3^rd Runner Up                            AUD $300       

              Best Director                             AUD $200            1 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

                                                                                              1 piece of 1TB WD Se Datacenter Hard Drive

              Best Cinematographer              AUD $200              1 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

              Best Writing                             AUD $200

              Best Editing                              AUD $200

              Best Actor                                AUD $250

              Best Female Actor                   AUD $250

              Best Promo                              AUD $1,500         2 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

                                                                                               1 piece of 1TB WD Se Datacenter Hard Drive

              Runner Up Promo                    AUD $750             1 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

              3^rd Runner Up                          AUD $250

              Best Machinima Film             AUD $750           1 piece x 1TB WD Red NAS Hard Drive

                                                                                               1 piece of 1TB WD Se Datacenter Hard Drive

              Runner Up                                 AUD $300

              2^nd Runner Up                           AUD$ 150

              4^th Runner Up                           AUD$ 100

              5^th Runner Up                           AUD$ 100

User Generated Content (UGC) Terms and Conditions

1. You will retain legal ownership in Your Competition Entry but that You grant to Us and its successors a non-exclusive, worldwide, sub-licensable, royalty-free and perpetual license to use Your Competition entry (in all media/internet platforms now and later known) and any other material and/or information submitted with Your entry or otherwise provided by You including Your name, age and town or city of residence for the sole purpose of identifying You as the author of Your Competition entry (together 'Your UGC').

.