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This talk examines what tech and media giants envision as the next form of digital media distribution and the internet itself: the metaverse. The concept of the metaverse is a virtual space with animated avatars, with continuous live connection and interactivity. Like Web3, it is posited by investors and tech giants like Meta, formerly known as Facebook, as the next evolution of the internet. What is remarkable about all this hype around metaverse technologies is that animation is fully imbricated in its logics of persistent virtual space and interactivity. 

This talk appoaches the potentials and pitfalls of the metaverse and its animated liveness. It will begin by giving a brief overview of the major tech and media players in the metaverse space, before examining some phenomenological problems that arise with the metaverse. Sara Ahmed’s work on queer phenomenology will be used to think through some issues around virtual bodies, spaces, and their interactivity. This talk will then conclude with some discussion of the metaverse as an outgrowth of capitalist accumulation and digital landlords.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 27th January 2023 at 1pm for the talk and to take part in the Q and A discussion afterwards. 

The Pervasive Media Studio is a partnership between the Watershed, University of the West of England and University of Bristol. The lunchtime talks are partly supported by MyWorld, a project led by the University of Bristol to support creative industries in the region. Watershed is supported by Arts Council England. 

Address:

Watershed, 1 Canon's Rd, Bristol BS1 5TX

Directions:

The Lunchtime talks take place in the Pervasive Media Studio Event Space. To access the Studio, please go to the Main Watershed Box Office entrance and go upstairs to the Café Bar. Walk across the cafe bar, turn right and walk towards the double doors. Go through into the corridor and walk all the way down until you reach the Studio. A member of staff will sign you in, and check your ticket, if you have booked.

The Studio is wheelchair accessible, and the events space has a hearing loop. The last talk of every month is BSL interpreted. 

For more information on accessing the studio take a look here.

*Please note this is a hybrid event and will be live streamed so please be aware you will be in the live broadcast and recording when watching in the Studio.