Slopfest #47 · 1973 · Vienna
The First AI Winter
A report said AI had overpromised, and the funding froze. So did the ice rink, which was on purpose.
Museum status: Pending acquisition by a museum of modern art. Pending since the day it was made.
- Venue
- Wiener Eislaufverein, on the ice
- Attendance
- 3
- Fun fact
- 3 attendees, -9°C, 0 promises made
What happened
In solidarity with the cuts, the committee moved the festival onto an open-air ice rink and switched off the heating. Three people came. They skated in small, careful circles and agreed not to promise anything to anyone. The minutes call it 'the most honest Slopfest', and the committee has avoided honesty ever since.
Elsewhere in 1973
The Lighthill Report criticizes AI research for failing its grand promises, leading to UK funding cuts and the first 'AI winter'.
Tip: use ← and → to flip through the archive.