Theater capacity is limited for this program.


Free and open to the public. Face masks covering nose and mouth (without valves) are required at all times. We strongly recommend that all visitors choose N95, KN95, or surgical masks.


Data & Life in the Metaverse

Proof of Vaccination Required

Ticket holders are required to provide proof of vaccination—to the maximum extent for which they are eligible—for entry into the Barbro Osher Theater.

Note: if the Osher Theater reaches capacity, view the keynote panel as a live webinar.

Keynote Panel: BAMPFA Osher Theater, 12:30–2 PM
Colloquium Sessions: Anthropology & Art Practice Building, 2-3:30 PM and 4-5 PM
Session information and registration
The unknown potentials of the metaverse are both exciting and terrifying. Technologists and the media have been exploring the implications of a potential shift to user-centered 3D experiences, which could eclipse our familiar two-dimensional ways of interfacing with our screens. Here, urgent questions emerge about who owns the data of our virtual bodies, our movements and online traces, and our virtual “homes.” At the same time, new modes of expression through online characters, animations, digital art, simulations, and machine learning promise to reveal new modes of cultural production and ways of living together. Join our panel of media innovation experts including Emma Fraser, Don Hanson, Wade Wallerstein, and Richmond Wong and practitioners to discuss the challenges and opportunities awaiting our curious explorations in this emerging space of critical data futures. After the panel discussion, join the colloquium sessions to discuss specific aspects of media production, critical analysis and data stewardship.

Co-sponsored and presented by Human Technology Futures Group and the Division of Computing, Data Science, and Society at UC Berkeley.

Participants and topics are subject to change; visit Berkeley Arts + Design (artsdesign.berkeley.edu) for the most up-to-date series information.