During the residency, artists will work in an interdisciplinary team with specialists from a large telecommunications company, which tests and offers metaverse/XR and Digital Twin solutions, as well as with researchers from the University of Łódź. The aim of the team will be to critically test and prototype selected immersive solutions developed in collaboration with the partner, focusing on the broad experience of interacting with products, spaces, and avatars, user safety perception and actual safety, as well as the impact of these environments on users and the broader social consequences of these technologies.
What challenges do we see?
The concept of technological immersion, such as XR and Digital Twin, brings with it diverse social, technological, and organizational challenges. Research indicates that the use of new technologies affects both physical and mental health. Changes in the organization of work and education may introduce new models of remote work in virtual spaces, limiting direct human interactions and creating new forms of technology-related stress. The development of these technologies may lead to polarization—both economically (accessibility) and ideologically (the right to remain outside immersive/metaversal technologies).
Why do we engage performing artists?
Artists critically and creatively test new solutions through their creativity. Their perspective enables the identification of areas requiring reflection that might not have been previously recognized. Additionally, artists have strong competencies in creating forms that engage multiple senses, which, when combined with work in the realm of abstraction, make their skills invaluable in observing and refining technological solutions.
Residency Conditions:
- Applications are open to artists forming formal and informal groups.
- The group should consist of 3 to 5 members.
- The majority of group members should represent performing arts, with relevant education or professional experience in this area.
- All group members must be at least 18 years old and have a minimum B2 level of English proficiency.
- During the residency, selected artists are required to actively pursue project goals and participate in meetings organized by the facilitators according to the program's framework (workshops, study visits, meetings with specialists and mentors).
Dates:
Applications must be submitted via the application form by 11 October 2024, by 11:59 PM. The Organizing Committee may invite applicants for a 30-minute online interview to obtain additional information about the application. Participation in the interview is not mandatory and does not determine acceptance or rejection of the application.
The final decision on selected residents will be announced on 15 October 2024 and sent to applicants via email. The residency period begins on 4 November 2024 and ends on 15 December 2024, with a minimum of 30 days of on-site work.
The organizer provides:
- A program and facilitation of the creative process, along with substantive support.
- Free access to a rehearsal room, at least 7 hours per day.
- Accommodation in a hotel or rented apartment.
- A stipend of PLN 8,000 (for one person)– this amount covers all costs associated with both the Organizer and the Resident.
- Reimbursement of travel expenses up to PLN 2,000 net per person for foreigners and PLN 500 for Polish applicants.
- Documentation of the process and project outcomes.
Residency Process:
Weeks 1-2: Introductory workshops, meetings with target group representatives and experts.
Weeks 3-5:
- Independent team work in the studio.
- Meetings with mentors and experts, both online and offline.
- At least two prototyping sessions – presentations of preliminary solutions with target group representatives.
- Other project-supporting activities as agreed with facilitators and organizers.
Week 6: Preparation for public presentation of the prototype/MVP and presentation.
Invited by: The University of Łódź Foundation, the University of Łódź, the Academic Center of Artistic Initiatives in Łódź, and the Newer Theatre Foundation.
The project is funded by the state budget, granted by the Minister of Education and Science under the program "Science for Society II."
The task "Performative Research on Civilizational Challenges" is co-financed by the budget of the city of Łódź.
The project partner is the Academic Center of Artistic Initiatives in Łódź.
