We are at the crossroads. The work of computer science seems stymied; progress is steady but boring. It's time for something to happen—and any suitable something requires acts of creation. This year, OOPSLA's (hidden) underlying theme is creativity: Explore; Discover; Understand is its motto. A former poet laureate is the keynote. This workshop is aimed at understanding creativity from all angles. Is it the work of recluses, autistics? Are creatives stubborn, nonreligious, diligent, monotonous? Can creativity be triggered or managed? Is creativity the central act of art? Of science? Of design? Of engineering?
What about problem solving? And coding—does the surface look of creation reflect actual creation?
And what of understanding itself: Is understanding constructed/created? If so, what is understanding?
Are some software methodologies more conducive to creative thinking? Are our programming languages stifling in ways that our natural languages are not?
In this workshop we'll bring together musicians, artists, scientists, and software people to try to understand the source and role of creativity in the sciences and in computing.
If you go to Preferences and supply a user name (the Wiki word for your personal Wiki page), Recent Changes will show your name and not an IP address. Also, sign your comments, at least sometimes.
I can probably guess which of you wishes to attend the workshop. I don't have all your email addresses, so I will be able to let you know only on this Wiki. If you prefer something more private, please send me some email (extravagaria at dreamsongs). -rpg
Here is the list of Invitees2005.