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Oct112012

I was a bit hesitant when encouraged to interact with a gigantic, spiked, helium-filled orb. But punching and pushing the transparent balloon to, literally, leave my mark – in charcoal on the white walls, ceiling and floor of the exhibit - at the opening of the Zero1 Biennial was actually great fun!

But not until the creator of the kinetic sculpture, Karina Smigla-Bobinski, explained to me that the work, named “Ada,” was actually an analog interactive installation linked to both Lord Byron and Charles Babbage did I start to see the giant globe as living at the intersection of technology and art.

That is what Zero1’s “Seeking Silicon Valley” is all about. The Festival runs from September 14 through December 8 both online and at venues throughout the San Francisco Bay Area in California. Check out the solar phone booth at Gore Park, visit the Computer History Museum to learn about Google Doodles, enjoy live performances and public art, and be sure to go meet Ada at the Garage!

Corporate Responsibility

The Art of Innovation

By Siobhan Kenney

Mar62012

Recently, women from some of the most innovative companies in Silicon Valley left their cleanrooms, computers, and cubes to immerse themselves in the world of art … and discovered that inspiration and creativity are traits shared across sectors, industries, and disciplines. The reps from Yahoo! Women in Tech had an amazing time as stated in a recent post.

Visiting the San Jose Museum of Art exhibit by Joan Brown, guests were challenged to examine how an artist – or any innovator – grapples with the complexities of a problem. They explored the results of bold experimentation and risk-taking leadership. The art prompted conversations on authenticity, cross-cultural communication, and opportunities that bring people of diverse backgrounds together in shared experiences – at work and in the community.

Corporate Responsibility

Arts that Foster Understanding

By Siobhan Kenney

Mar72011

In a region as diverse as Silicon Valley, the arts can bring people together in shared experiences that transcend boundaries and foster understanding. Through the arts, we gain exposure to the traditions of various cultures and learn of issues important to people in communities around the world. Two current events in San Jose, Calif., funded in part by the Applied Materials Foundation, work to build bridges between people through the arts.

Corporate Responsibility

Death to Creativity?

By Michele Walker-Moak

Oct212010

At Applied Materials we know that our industry’s success is dependent upon relentless innovation. This is the same for many new economy industries. Current job trends show that our next generation, must be able to think differently— to assimilate information, reframe it and create beyond the boundaries.

Corporate Responsibility

Applied Materials Supports Mexican Heritage Festival

By Siobhan Kenney

Oct152010

To close out Hispanic Heritage Month, I thought I’d blog about the recent Mariachi and Mexican Heritage Festival held in San Jose, California. Honoring Latino culture and commemorating the centennial of Mexico's Revolution – the festival featured an impressive list of social and artistic revolutionaries with a long history of working to improve the way people live.

Corporate Responsibility

Social Media and Salsa

By Siobhan Kenney

Sep222010

At Applied Materials we believe that the arts have the power to bring together people of diverse backgrounds in shared experiences. Connect those people through social media, add a Latin beat, and a flash mob is created.

The recent San Jose Jazz Festival, sponsored in part by Applied Materials, celebrates jazz, salsa, and the blues in a community wide event that raises funds for year round music education for youth.

Corporate Responsibility

Building a World at the Intersection of Art & Technology

By Siobhan Kenney

Sep142010

Imagination sparks creativity so when innovative artists join together to rethink the future of our world, the possibilities are boundless, participatory, and thought provoking.

Corporate Responsibility

Afterlife Goes Green

By Mark Walker

Jan152010

When artists apply their vision and creativity to cast-offs from our contemporary life, gardens of plastic bags bloom, creatures boast zippered eyes, and gum wrappers take flight.

Corporate Responsibility

Solar SunFlowers Bloom in Austin

By Steve Taylor

Oct202009

One of the best things about living in Austin, Texas is the sustainable, forward-thinking the city incorporates into new developments like the Mueller redevelopment project. The project is an urban, mixed-used project that includes homes, office and retail space and the Dell Children’s Medical Center of Central Texas.

APPLIED MATERIALS BLOG

Seeking Silicon Valley: The Art & Technology Network

The Art of Innovation

Arts that Foster Understanding

Death to Creativity?

Applied Materials Supports Mexican Heritage Festival

Social Media and Salsa

Building a World at the Intersection of Art & Technology

Afterlife Goes Green

Solar SunFlowers Bloom in Austin