Signal:Noise is an experimental cross-disciplinary research project that aims to explore the influence of cybernetics and information theory on contemporary cultural life by testing out its central idiom, ‘feedback’, through debates, performances, events and an exhibition.
Through the application of mechanical and scientific models for the understanding of social and political life, cybernetic theory – in particular notions of feedback – informed the development of many early conceptual and participatory artistic practices in the 1960s/70s, yet its influence is still under-recognized. Signal:Noise aims to bring together people who are working with these ideas in the fields of art, design, architecture and theory in order to re-open discussion around this discourse, looking at how it has informed cultural, social and political life, in the past and present.

The project is lead by Steve Rushton, Dexter Sinister (David Reinfurt and Stuart Bailey), Marina Vishmidt, Rod Dickinson and Emily Pethick.

Over the course of 2010 The Showroom will issue a series of bulletins on the subject, edited by members of the group, involving a variety of contributors. These will pave the way towards an intensive open editorial session of discussions and events that will playfully test out notions of feedback in December 2010.

Signal:Noise is supported by Arts Council England, The Henry Moore Foundation, and members of The Showroom’s Supporters Scheme.