Women's hidden role in tech: Illuminating innovation

The presence and profile of women in technology on the main stage is diminishing, with ever decreasing levels of funding reaching women founders of tech companies and far fewer women entering and retaining roles in the workforce. Even less are in visible leadership positions.

To shine a spotlight on the remarkable contributions of women in this area, King’s Culture and the Global Institute for Women’s Leadership are welcoming leading artists whose work has inspired and informed pioneering new technologies, as we mark the launch of the new GLOW: ILLUMINATING INNOVATION exhibition.

The exhibition showcases groundbreaking digital creativity by women and features both legacy artworks and newly commissioned pieces that highlight women’s role in shaping the technologies of tomorrow.

The discussion will be led by GIWL Chair Julia Gillard, who will be in conversation with the artists and experts below.

Speakers

• Tamiko Thiel is a visual artist pushing the boundaries of technology with interactive 3D virtual worlds and AI. She not only collaborated with Steven Spielberg on the first metaverse for children but was also the lead product designer of the first AI supercomputer in the 1980s, leaving an indelible mark on computer design.
  
  
• Nonny De La Peña has been dubbed the “godmother of virtual reality”, whose revolutionary work, "Hunger in LA", spearheaded the world of virtual reality documentaries. Her creation played a pivotal role in the birth of the Oculus Rift headset, later acquired by Facebook.
  
  
• Professor Sarah Atkinson is Professor of Screen Media at King’s College London and the GLOW project lead and curator.

The driving forces behind the new GLOW: ILLUMINATING INNOVATION exhibition—our four commissioned artists—will also be in attendance to share their unique perspectives and unveil their groundbreaking creations that challenge the status quo.