We Have Always Been Biohackers: 6 Years of Genomic Gastronomy.

In this talk I will look back at the first six years as an artist-led think tank that examines the biotechnologies and biodiversity of human food systems, and studies the organisms and environments manipulated by human food cultures. . Back in 2010 we had the general notion that there was a need for more critical and creative cultural production at the intersection of food and the life sciences.  Who have we collaborated with, and how have we poisoned our work in relation the norms and expectations of art making and scientific practice? How do we see our practice continuing to evolve, and who and where are we hoping to work with in the future? How does the work that we do about food and farming differ from the research that happens at university, industry or by activists? What are some of the key organisms and environments we have looked at, and which have been intentionally or unintentionally excluded? Why is it important that we interact with the material and biological realities of food, even as we imagine and dream up a more just, biodiverse & beautiful food system?