The opening reception of the Centre for Semiotic Applications on February 8

The opening reception of the Centre for Semiotic Applications takes place on February 8 at 5pm at the University of Tartu Art Museum.   

The Centre for Semiotic Applications was established in the Department of Semiotics at the University of Tartu in 2022. The Department of Semiotics is one of the most important centres of semiotics in Europe and has extensive experience with semiotic application projects resolving complex environmental, cultural, and social problems. The mission of the centre is to introduce and promote the application of semiotic theories in decision-making processes and to contribute into the development of society with the expertise and knowledge of semioticians. The centre offers analysis, expertise, educational materials and training courses to the organisations in the public, private and third sector. 

Semiotics, a systematic study of sign-processes and meaning-making can offer a fresh perspective because it addresses cultural, social, and environmental issues as complex and intertwined phenomena. This approach enables us to take into account a wider perspective and consider how meanings are formed, interpreted, and changed as a result of communication. The comprehensiveness of semiotics allows for fruitful collaboration with other scientific fields, both locally and internationally.  

At the opening reception we will introduce the future plans of the centre and Nelly Mäekivi, Maarja Ojamaa and Kaie Koppel will talk about the potential of semiotic applications with examples of previous projects and personal experience. After the presentations we welcome the guests to join us for a discussion and refreshments.  
 

PS! The talks are in Estonian. 

Programme:

5 – 7pm 

• Welcome and opening of the event: Ulla Juske, Administrative Manager of the Centre for Semiotic Application and Timo Maran, Head of the Department of Semiotics.  

Short presentations:  

• Nelly Mäekivi - Local community's relationship with European mink and it´s reintroduction – importance of semiotics in anthropological analysis.  
• Maarja Ojamaa – Semiotics and (cultural)education: the experience of Transmedia research group in creating digital learning platforms. 
• Kaie Koppel – Semiotics and service innovation. 

6 – 7pm 

• Discussion and refreshments 

To participate, please RSVP here by January 30. 

 Read more about the Centre for Semiotic Applications on our website.