Name: Give a man a record & they dance for a day, give that man a synthesizer & they dance for a lifetime
Start: 2026-05-12T19:00:00+01:00
Location: University of Surrey

Give a man a record & they dance for a day, give that man a synthesizer & they dance for a lifetime
Zen Olenski, Director of designerzen
7pm Tuesday 12th May 2026
In LTG, Lecture Theatre Block, Stag Hill Campus, University of Surrey
https://www.iop.org/events/give-man-record-and-they-dance-day-give-man-synthesizer-and-they-dance-lifetime
Abstract:
Artificial intelligence is permanently changing how we create and consume media. Now, every person on earth can become a creator and director of their very own worlds, materialising their imaginations into digital realms that give stories life and offer avenues for self-expression, exploration and art. Like a wish-granting genie, you ask for an item that you would like, and magically your desire momentarily manifests into digital reality. Having seen the prior works of the entire species, any derivative work is merely a prompt away. Humanities endless remix. If we can't put the genie back in the lamp, perhaps we make good use of those wishes?
In this talk Zen will take a whimsical look at how music and music making have danced with technology throughout time, and how a digital imagination could replace the automation of today, and perhaps the humans of tomorrow. He will help navigate ways to use those wishes wisely to create the right tools and rules, so that rather than replacing humans, it empowers them with new abilities, skills, and platforms for self expression. Through co-creation we can hopefully prevent the full automation of humanity, and perhaps preserve the act of creativity and art itself!
Way to sign up - just come along and email [email protected] if you have any access requirements.
PLEASE NOTE The University of Surrey charges for car parking in the main car parks on campus before 7pm. We will have a QR code for audience members to scan to register their vehicle to waive the parking charges.