Significant developments in the natural and the artificial are coinciding, in what many view as turning points for humanity. We face a crisis in, on the one hand, climate change and our impact on the species we share our planet with; and, on the other hand, the effects of AI on the environment, the arts, political discourse, and employment.

In this Lunchtime Talk, PM Studio Resident Tim Kindberg will examine AI critically in the light of nature as both a point of comparison and a context in which AI is embedded. In particular, he will ask: is nature fundamentally more capable than current AI approaches when it comes to distinguishing what is true from what is false?

Tim Kindberg is a writer and digital creative. He is the creator of Sust, the digital platform for making more sustainable fashion choices. Future Song, his magic-realist novel set in near-future Bristol as it adapts to climate change, is forthcoming. He is also the author of the novel Vampires of Avonmouth, in which AI plays a pivotal role - second only to the occult. He is an honorary fellow at the Bristol Digital Futures Institute, and a Personal to the Planetary community fellow at the Brigstow and Cabot Institutes.

Join us online on YouTube Live, or in the building on Friday 20th 2025 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.