Discover The New Real Magazine’s second edition, Planetary Futures: AI, Arts and the Environment, from The University of Edinburgh’s hub for AI, creativity, and futures research. This open-source journal brings together leading creatives, technologists, and academics to explore the intersection of environmental sustainability and digital innovation.

The launch event also features an exclusive preview of new commissioned work by interdisciplinary artist Kasia Molga, highlighting AI’s role in preserving memory and shaping our planet’s future. Join us to engage with critical insights and pioneering innovations at this inspiring event.

This event is made possible by generous contribution from Creative Informatics.

Speakers:

Courtney Bates, Project Manager

Courtney is the Project Manager for The New Real, she focuses on the intersection of AI and the arts and produces insightful resources for the arts community for future thinking and work with AI and emerging technologies. Previously, she served as the Programme and Finance Administrator for Creative Informatics, a UK Creative Cluster Programme, supporting R&D funding in the creative industries. Formerly, Courtney was Executive Director of both The Flowertown Players and Threshold Repertory Theatre in Charleston, SC before moving to Edinburgh. She holds a MA in Arts, Festival, and Cultural Management from Queen Margaret University and a BA in Arts Management from The College of Charleston.

Matjaz Vidmar, Deputy Director

Matjaz Vidmar is Lecturer at The University of Edinburgh and Deputy Director of The New Real programme, hosted between the Edinburgh Futures Institute and Alan Turing Institute. His research spans collaborative R&D practices and interdisciplinary knowledge making, especially between engineering and arts/humanities. With a background in Science and Technology Studies, he is currently examining sustainable futures of high-tech fields, especially in artificial intelligence and data.