Explosions in the online economy and social networking, in virtual worlds, gaming and the surveillance industry are fast becoming all pervasive. They define a major cultural shift in society. On one had they provide a communication network giving access to the world. On the other hand they constrain the depth of our thinking process and the detail of our conversations.
This years Big Debate reflects the theme of the 2008 New Generation Arts Festival and asks More Power or More Powerless. Exploring the next generation of technology the debate will establish the challenges associated with progress and seek to answer some key questions focusing on:
Real life vs second life
Digital vs traditional
Private information vs public access
Vision vs reality
The theme is highly topical nationally but also reflects on a regional digital focus against the backdrop of the impending launch of the Digital Film Festival and Birmingham City’s new digital status.
Rory Cellan-Jones - Debate Chair 
Anthony Rose
Chris Cooke 
Dr. Doug Williams
Joanna Geary
