Network for Ecological Futures Initiated by Taeyoon Choi, Unmake Lab, Mina Kim and Artcom Platform, this three-day symposium explores relationships between urbanism, technology and ecology.

Network for Ecological Futures is a three-day symposium at the Power Plant, SNU Institute for Culture and Arts in Seoul between July 19 and 21, 2024. Initiated by Taeyoon Choi, Unmake Lab, Mina Kim based in South Korea and Artcom based in Kazakhstan, the symposium explores our relationships between urbanism, technology and ecology.

In response to over population and economic disparity in urban centers, South Korea has been spearheading smart city initiatives, not without criticism from the residents who are demanding for more justice-focused and environmentally responsible developments. The stark contrast between techno-utopian visions presented with smart cities and the reality of the developments, gentrification and displacements echoes the historical and present-day colonialism.

The tragedy of 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami in Japan is visceral in our memories. Yet, we are witnessing more nuclear development in Asia. Kazakhstan, a crucial place for ecological futures in Central Asia due to its location and the natural resource of Lake Balkhash, is seeing more nuclear power plant developments, unsurprisingly with South Korean corporations’ direct involvement. We share a critical view of greenwashing initiatives that obscure the nuclear and fossil fuel developments in the global south, new forms of colonial enterprises that further perpetuate dependencies from the global north.

As artists, designers, educators, architects, activists and community organizers in the Network for Ecological Futures, we have been exploring our spatial conditions as well as the larger network of supply chain infrastructures. We plan to present an eclectic mix of artist-led, community-focused activism and critical technology initiatives towards decolonization from Asian perspectives. The three days event will be a collaboration to open critical discourse and visibility around climate justice among artists and activists in South Korea and beyond.

Featuring Mina Kim, Y2K92, Taeyoon Choi, Re#sister Korea, Unmake Lab, Artcom Platform

Network for Ecological Futures is supported by rearc institute. All programming will be presented in Korean and English. The entire event will be livestreamed.