EMPAC Research to host 12th year of symposium for assistive creativity and well-being

TROY, NY—The EMPAC Research program, together with faculty, researchers, and alumni from across Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute will convene for the ISATMA 2025 Spring Workshop, a program designed to enliven creative collaboration among people of all abilities, on Wednesday, March 26, from 2PM through 5PM, online and onsite at EMPAC–the Curtis R. Priem Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center.

The workshop is free and open to the public.

Since 2012, cooperative programming from EMPAC Research and the International Symposium on Assistive Technology for Music and Art (ISATMA) has brought together researchers, technologists, and artists to develop and share innovative tools for making music with people affected by and living with spinal cord injuries and other health-related conditions that impact mobility.

The ISATMA volunteer network and its activities now regularly involves experts and practitioners beyond tech and beyond artmaking. Attendees to its spring workshop will have the opportunity to engage with experts, with practices for reducing stress and improving well-being in learning environments, and with a demonstration of new AI methods for musical instrument interfaces.

Confirmed guest speakers and artists include: Anna Barfield of Kraken Scuba; Stephanie Loveless of the Center for Deep Listening; musicians Jonas Braasch (saxophone), Katherine Skovira (opera), and Robert Whalen (orchestra) of RPI; neuroscientist Alicia Walf of the Cognitive Science Department at RPI; and David Whalen of Jamboxx.

Registration in advance is required.

A summary of the program offerings can be found on the ISATMA 2025 Spring web page.

The workshop takes place at EMPAC, located on the campus of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and virtually. An option to attend the workshop online is provided to all registrants.

Venue accessibility information is available at empac.rpi.edu.

Interviews are available with ISATMA 2025 organizers and panelists. Please contact Kathryn TeBordo, EMPAC Communications Manager, for availability, press images, and other questions.

Special Thanks

EMPAC is made possible by Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. ISATMA 2025 Spring Workshops are co-sponsored by EMPAC Research, the Center for Deep Listening, and the iEAR Presents series. This program is made possible with funding from the Rensselaer Department of Arts. EMPAC and iEAR Presents programs are made possible by the New York State Council on the Arts with the support of the Office of the Governor and the New York State Legislature.

About International Symposium on Assistive Technology for Music and Art (ISATMA)

ISATMA started as a forum for new technologies and artistic experiences dealing with the physical limitations of the human body and with embodiment in general. Activities continue for artists and specialists who are interested in extending their physical and mental abilities through novel technologies and practices to perform music and create art. For more information on current ISATMA initiatives, its network of volunteers, and opportunities to get involved, please visit isatma.org.