Oakland, CA, November, 2024 — To further solidify its leadership at the intersection of art, science, and technology, Leonardo: the International Society for Arts, Sciences, and Technology (Leonardo/ISAST), is excited to announce the full integration of ZERO1: The Art & Technology Network (ZERO1) into its organization.
Building on the successful strategic partnership established in 2022, Leonardo’s integration of ZERO1 reflects both organizations' shared commitment to apply creativity to the complex challenges we face today.
“We are proud to add our 25-year history of supporting art and technology for a better world to the distinguished and creative efforts of Leonardo, a pioneer of this genre. Under the leadership of Diana Ayton-Shenker, and the support of Arizona State University, we have more power together to affect change. We are excited to join the mission to infuse technology, science, and art in experiences that inspire creativity and innovation everywhere and look forward to a long and meaningful journey together,” said ZERO1 founder, Andy Cunningham.
As part of this transition, Shamsher Virk, formerly ZERO1’s Executive Director and current Senior Director for Programs & Operations at Leonardo, will be stepping down, having successfully overseen ZERO1’s integration into Leonardo, closing a dynamic chapter for ZERO1.
“Leading ZERO1 through its move from San Jose to San Francisco, and expanding our international programming, has been one of the most rewarding experiences of my career,” says Virk. “I am proud of the work we’ve done to elevate ZERO1 as a leader in socially-engaged media arts. I am grateful for the opportunity to have been part of this transformative journey.”
Leonardo’s CEO, Diana Ayton-Shenker, expressed gratitude for Virk’s leadership through this period of integration. “Shamsher’s dedication and hard work have helped ensure that the combined forces of Leonardo and ZERO1 will thrive for years to come. We wish him the best as he moves on to new ventures.”
Reflecting on the merger, former ZERO1 Executive Director and current Leonardo board member, Joel Slayton, stated that, “The merger of ZERO1 as a core partner of Leonardo presents an alignment of two trajectories that share the same core value of transdisciplinary creativity. Both believe that transdisciplinary creativity informs innovation that matters, and that it serves to address some of the most complex challenges across our communities and networks.”
Leonardo will celebrate ZERO1’s legacy and build on the ZERO1’s pioneering work in connecting artists with leading companies and foundations — bringing opportunities and projects to its global audience.
“We are thrilled and honored to fully welcome ZERO1 into Leonardo,” Diana Ayton-Shenker, Leonardo CEO added enthusiastically. “With our shared leadership, values, and vision, we are dedicated to forging a fruitful and fulfilling future together, inspiring creative collaboration for a better world.”
Artists, academics, donors, sponsors, and partners who have participated in or supported ZERO1's work since its founding in 2000 are invited to join the Leonardo community by subscribing to the monthly Leonardo Network Newsletter. To connect directly with Leonardo staff, please contact press@leonardo.info.
Founded in 1968 by kinetic artist and pioneering aeronautical engineer Frank Malina, Leonardo has fostered transformation at the nexus of art, science, and technology for over 50 years, exploring transdisciplinary collaboration across 135 countries and 5 continents worldwide. With a vision to activate creativity, push the boundaries of today and unleash the possibilities of tomorrow, Leonardo endeavors to empower an inclusive global network of hybrid creativity, where all belong in pursuit of a more vibrant, just and regenerative world. Leonardo’s flagship publication, Leonardo, is the world’s leading academic journal on art, science, technology scholarship. Leonardo has published over 10,000 contributors and anchors a robust publishing partnership with MIT Press. The Leonardo Book Series features books by diverse intellectual communities that present innovative discourse on the convergence of art, science and technology; envisioned as a creative catalyst for scholarly experimentation & research. Leonardo’s program activities encompass international salon series, events, exhibits, exchanges, residencies and fellowships, artist commissions, research and scholarship. Signature partnerships include Arizona State University, MIT Press, Tsinghua University, Cyland Media Art Lab, and ZERO1.
ZERO1 is a San Francisco-based arts and technology organization founded in 2000. Known for its biennial festivals and international programs, ZERO1 has played a critical role in fostering dialogue and collaboration between artists, technologists, and cultural institutions to advance creative experimentation and transdisciplinary projects. ZERO1 addresses complex social challenges by producing community driven emerging media and digital art projects. Through a global network of partners, ZERO1 bridges governmental, academic, corporate, and cultural worlds to build engaged and vibrant communities that drive social action, grounded in a belief that artistic experimentation with emerging technologies inspires novel creative strategies and broadens our critical understanding of the world.
For more information, please visit www.leonardo.info or contact press@leonardo.info.
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