Hybrid: Computer Arts Society Evening - EVA London 2026

Computer Arts Society would like to recognise the contribution made by the late Professor Maggie Boden to the philosophical debate around computational art and the role of artificial intelligence in the arts.

Our celebration event is led by Professor Ernest Edmonds, a close friend and collaborator of Maggie's, and includes other distinguished speakers. The evening will also discuss the life and work of Sarah Mallen, a longtime friend of the Computer Arts Society from its inception. Margaret (‘Maggie’) Ann Boden (1936-2025) was a philosopher, psychologist, and cognitive scientist who was central to the development and success of the School of Cognitive Sciences at the University of Sussex.

Of Maggie’s many books, it was ‘Artificial Intelligence and Natural Man’, published in 1977, that brought widespread attention to her and established her reputation. Other important titles included ‘The Creative Mind: Myths and Mechanisms’ (2003) and ‘Mind as Machine: A History of Cognitive Science’ (2006).

Always bringing a fresh, enquiring mind to her work, she was a key figure in developing cognitive science and its relationships to philosophy and psychology. Having started as a philosophy lecturer at Birmingham University and becoming a Harkness fellow at Harvard, she joined Sussex in 1965 and, with Aaron Sloman and Max Clowes, formed its Cognitive Studies Programme in 1974, which became the School of Cognitive Sciences in 1987, led by Maggie as Dean.

She was appointed OBE in 2001 and, in 2017, received the ACM AAAI Allen Newell award. Maggie Boden was remarkable. She contributed at the highest level to many areas, well beyond the philosophy she began with. Amongst her many passions, Maggie was both very interested in and very responsive to art. Given her endless curiosity and the remarkable range of her expertise, it is not surprising that she investigated the nature of art making, and, in particular, the nature of computer-based art making.

Registration is free but must be booked in advance via this form.

Other sessions you may be interested in as part of the EVA London 2026:

• Monday, 13-17 July 2026 - EVA London 2026
• Tuesday, 14 July 2026 - International Evening
• Wednesday, 15 July 2026 - Community Evening
• Thursday, 16 July 2026 - Research Workshop Exhibition

Our events are for adults aged 16 years and over.

This meeting is conducted in accordance with the BCS Code of Conduct for Meetings.

BCS is a membership organisation. If you enjoy this event, please consider joining BCS. You’ll be very welcome. You’ll receive access to many exclusive career development tools, an introduction to a thriving professional community and also help us Make IT Good For Society.

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For overseas delegates who wish to attend the event, please note that BCS does not issue invitation letters.

This event is brought to you by: Computer Arts Society

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