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Genes Talking is a ground-breaking time-based installation of a live working laboratory in the ICA theatre (for more information, see page 18). Volunteer scientists will be doing genuine experiments using DNA sequencing technology, the technology used in the Human Genome Project. The public will be able to see the lab working on a day-to-day basis, talk to the scientists, and take part in the analysis of the results. To coincide with Genes Talking the following talks will take place: Thanks to the lavish investment of major cultural institutions, sci-art has moved from a niche pursuit into the mainstream. But is it simply an excuse for bad art? Can the encounter between science and arts change ways of thinking creatively and lead to fruitful new avenues, or is it an excuse for a failure or vision - and a failure to communicate that vision - on both sides. Lewis Wolpert, Emeritus Professor of Biology as Applied to Medicine, University College London; Ken Arnold, Head of Public Programmes, The Wellcome Trust; Sandra Kemp, Head of Research, Royal College of Art, Sian Ede, Arts Director, Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation UK and author of Art and Science. Chair: Emma Crichton-Miller, journalist and writer.