University of Florida’s Digital Worlds Institute awarded $10,000 Peoria Prize for Creativity
Posted on May 2nd, 2005

“Hands Across the Ocean: The Lost Chord” exhibit awarded first annual prize recognizing the collaboration of art and science

Peoria, IL – The University of Florida’s Digital Worlds Institute in Gainesville, Florida has been named the recipient of the first $10,000 Peoria Prize for Creativity for its exhibit, “Hands Across the Ocean: The Lost Chord,” awarded at the Discovery Forum 2005: A Celebration of the Art & Science of Life held today at the Peoria Civic Center.

The project was selected from finalists from throughout the country for the first Peoria Prize for Creativity national competition, established in 2004 to foster, recognize, and reward visionary and innovative creative projects that result among individuals representing the arts and sciences.

In front of a crowd of nearly 1,000 Discovery Forum participants from throughout the Midwest. The winning collaborating team, represented by James Oliverio, was presented with the $10,000 cash prize by Glen Barton, retired Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. and Chairman of the Peoria Civic Federation.

On February 17, 2005, “Hands Across the Ocean” premiered to the United Kingdom and the rest of the world over the internet high-speed online network, Access Grid, linking ethnic musicians spread across nearly 40,000 miles and four continents to produce a global, real-time music performance.

The project demonstrates that Access Grid technologies can be used to enhance education by making any classroom the epicenter of a truly global education. The concept was similar to a traditional piece of “musical theater,” except that the cast and crew represented five different musical cultures from around the globe and were located in four continents.

Involving nearly 70 engineers, artists, actors, dancers, computer scientists, educators and directors across the world, this project embodied an international partnership among five institutions: The Australian Centre for Interactive Design at Queensland University of Technology, the Korean Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, the United Kingdom’s Digital Knowledge Exchange, the New World School of the Arts and the University of Florida’s Digital Worlds Institute.

A panel of internationally recognized jurors made the final selection including Peggy Van Pelt, Ph.D., retired Walt Disney Imagineer, retired Caterpillar Inc. Chairman and CEO Glen Barton, and Vice President for Technology and Economic Development at the University of Illinois David Chicoine, Ph.D.

In addition to the $10,000 cash prize, the recipient was awarded a custom designed Peoria Prize medallion, created by renowned sculptor and Bradley University faculty member Fisher Stolz.

Stolz’ sculptures have been exhibited in outdoor venues such as Grounds for Sculpture in New Jersey, the Skokie North Shore Sculpture Park, and the Navy Pier in Chicago. Outdoor campus exhibitions include Western Michigan University, The University of North Carolina-Asheville, the University of Alabama and the University of Texas-Tyler. Stolz' work is in several collections including Arthur Andersen and the King Plow Arts Center in Atlanta.

“The Peoria Prize emphasizes creativity as an essential component of economic and cultural development – one that enriches our community, our nation, and the entire world,” says Glen Barton, retired Chairman and CEO of Caterpillar Inc. and Chairman of the Peoria Civic Federation.

Information on the other finalists can be found online at www.peoriaprize.com

Visit www.peoriaprize.com for information on the 2006 Peoria Prize for Creativity.

Peoria NEXT is dedicated to leadership in discovery, innovation, and commercialization. The mission of Peoria NEXT is to create a healthier future for our regional community evidenced by increased economic growth and diversity, improved physical well-being, and the resultant social stability and opportunity.

ArtsPartners of Central Illinois promotes the not-for-profit arts organizations of the Peoria region to members of the community and to visitors, and to increase the vitality of arts and culture in the area.

The Peoria Civic Federation is composed of leaders from 40 of the region’s top employers. The organization was created to provide input and guidance on civic initiatives taking place throughout the greater Peoria region.