The DAX week kicks off with FABrication Labs (FAB Labs) in the Hopkins Center Garage (formerly the Studio Art drawing studios), which will be held from noon to 11 p.m. on May 6, 7, 8, and 10. Spearheaded by Spencer Topel, assistant professor of music, the FAB Lab motto is “make something!” Students will assist visitors in learning to make animated videos, digital musical instruments, and other creative projects.

“This is an opportunity to really see the potential for an interdisciplinary art-technology space within the Hopkins Center, and so far, the response from different schools, departments, and faculty is outstanding,” says Topel. “Through events such as DAX and others around campus, Dartmouth is poised to become a leader in a growing national trend in universities and education towards a holistic integration of research and practice in science, technology, and art.”...

...The week culminates in a 24-hour “Make-A-Thon,” a competition to create projects using a mix of art and technology starting at 11 a.m. on Saturday, May 11. Dartmouth students are encouraged to take part in the “Make-A-Thon,” and high school students are also welcome to participate. Winners will be awarded cash prizes of up to $1,000 or an X-Box 360.

The DAX exhibition showcase, Fab Labs, and “Make-A-Thon” are free and open to the public.

DAX was developed out of a collaboration involving several academic departments, including Digital Arts, Digital Musics, Computer Science, Studio Art, Theater, Digital Humanities, Film and Media Studies, and Thayer School of Engineering. The project is supported by the Office of the President and the Office of the Provost, as part of Dartmouth’s Year of the Arts. DAX is also funded by the Neukom Institute, Microsoft, The Arts and Sciences Deans, Computer Science, Digital Musics, Film and Media Studies, and Digital Arts.