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    Residency C: Moving Loudspeakers

    • Description
    • Course of the Residency
    • Technical Equipment
    • Performance
    • Support
    • Conditions, Application & Selection Process

    Description

    What happens when loudspeakers move, and what creative possibilities emerge? This residency invites artists to explore the acoustic and aesthetic phenomena resulting from the movement of loudspeakers as physical objects in space. 

    The movement of a loudspeaker causes amplitude and frequency modulation, as well as changes in spatial perception. It transforms the loudspeaker into a clearly localisable point source, producing effects that are difficult to simulate convincingly. Beyond their acoustic function, moving loudspeakers acquire an instrumental quality. Their visibility challenges the traditional role of the loudspeaker as a hidden transducer and calls for their integration into the visual and performative aspects of a work. 

    The act of moving a loudspeaker encompasses both artistic and technical dimensions. Movements may be carried out manually, mechanically or with computer-controlled systems such as stepper motors. Each approach enables distinct forms of expression and interpretation. 

    We invite proposals from artists interested in developing a new work for fixed media or live electronics (with or without musicians) that involves at least one moving loudspeaker. The movement may be realised through human performers, mechanical setups or electromechanical devices. 

    Applicants are asked to submit a conceptual idea or a compositional sketch (see “Conditions, Application and Selection Process”). The proposal should outline how the moving loudspeaker might be integrated into the project. The concrete implementation will be developed in collaboration with the selected artist. 

    The submitted portfolio should demonstrate the applicant’s strong interest in moving loudspeakers and music technology, as clearly reflected in their artistic practice. 

    For more information, visit  https://blog.zhdk.ch/soundinmotion 

    Course of the Residency

    The residency lasts three weeks (21 days). The resident has full use of the ICST Labor during this time. Possible dates for a three-week stay are 20 April–10 May 2026 or 7–27 September 2026. 

    If necessary and by arrangement, the 21 days may be divided into two visits within the specified periods. In this case, the call is limited to candidates arriving from within Europe. 

    Technical Equipment

    The ICST offers a selection of loudspeakers ranging from small to large, in both open and enclosed configurations, featuring figure-eight or directional radiation patterns. These can be used to perform various motion-based setups.

    • by hand
    • with motors (stepper motors): rotate horizontally (rotation loudspeaker), vertically
    • with motors: 340° horizontal, 340° vertical (aggregate loudspeaker)
    • with pendulums (motorized lifting)

    Self-built equipment is welcome, but it must be constructed by the resident. Within the residency, it will hardly be possible to build special devices.

    Performance

    If there is mutual interest, efforts will be made to present and discuss the results of the residency through a performance or a talk at the ICST. A performance may also take place as part of the public event Lange Nacht (May 2026) at Zurich University of the Arts.

    Support

    The selected artist will be supported by Peter Färber (Project Leader Moving Loudspeakers) throughout the residency. 

    Conditions, Application & Selection Process

    Applications for the Artists in Residence at ICST program must be submitted using the online form.

    This application window is open until 1 September 2025 at 24:00h CET. Candidates will be notified in mid-October 2026. The residencies will be awarded by a jury consisting of ICST researchers and project leaders. 

    Please upload the following documents: 

    • Concept sketch, composition idea or project draft (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
    • Portfolio containing three selected works relevant to the residency topic, including links to external media (audio & video) (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
    • CV in tabular form containing information on education and career (PDF, 1 page and 10 MB max.) 

    The selected candidates will be notified by email. Together with the notification, they receive the forms required for an invitation to Switzerland and are kindly asked to confirm their participation and return the filled-out forms within 10 days. If the period of 10 days is not observed, the ICST can withdraw the invitation.

    The exact dates for the residencies will be defined individually.

    The residencies include the use of facilities and technical infrastructure as specified in the thematic descriptions, as well as technical support by ICST research staff. 

    Participants will receive a contribution to their expenses for travel to Zurich (up to CHF 300 for persons living in Europe, up to CHF 500 for persons living outside Europe), as well as a per diem to cover meals and accommodation in Zurich during the residency. Participants organise their own travel and accommodation in Zurich, with ICST providing assistance if required.