Residency D: Dance and Generative AI

Description


The current call for this residency takes place in the context of two European research projects: a Marie Curie Fellowship entitled E2-Create (Encoding Embodied Creativity for Computational Art) and a Horizon Europe project entitled Premiere (Performing Arts in a new Era). The former project explores how embodied principles of creativity could be abstracted, formalised, and operationalised into generative methods for creating computer-based art. The latter project addresses the application of virtual reality and artificial intelligence throughout the entire lifetime of a performance work (from its conception and production to its dissemination and archival). 

As part of these two projects, several machine learning models have been developed for analysing, re-composing, and generating dance. These models are meant to lend themselves to artistic appropriation in that they can easily be extended and modified, require only small datasets for training, and operate in real-time.

The call offers artists the opportunity to experiment with creative applications of these models and adapt them for the realisation of a new work. The invited artist(s) will be supported in the application, training, and modification of these models. In addition, they will also be provided with access to and support in the use of the technical infrastructure of the ICST. This includes a motion capture system, a multichannel surround audio system, video projectors, and dedicated PCs for training machine learning models.

The residency is intended for individual artists or small artistic teams who bring together a background or keen interest in contemporary dance with experience in employing computer-based generative techniques. Ideally, the artists have previously worked with generative AI models. Candidates will submit a conceptual idea to be realized in the course of the residency. (See “Conditions, application & selection process”).

Course of the residency

The residency’s maximum duration is three weeks (21 days) and will take place in the period from mid-March to 20 April 2025 at the latest.

Support

Residents will receive support from Daniel Bisig (researcher in Generative Art) and Eric Larrieux (specialist in 3D audio / interactive audio). Also, basic technical and project-specific support will be provided during the residency. Nevertheless, the ability to work autonomously in a complex technical environment is a prerequisite.

Performance

The residency is expected to lead to a creative outcome that can be demonstrated and discussed as part of an internal showing. The form of this outcome is entirely up for the artists to decide and can include visual or musical works, installations, performances, or any combination of these. If there is mutual interest, efforts will be undertaken to make a public showing possible.

Conditions, application & selection process

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

The deadline for applications is 1 September 2024. Candidates will be notified in mid-October 2024. The residencies will be awarded by a jury consisting of ICST researchers and project leaders.

Please upload the following documents: 

  1. Concept sketch, composition idea or project draft (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
  2. Portfolio containing three selected works relevant to the residency topic, including links to external media (audio & video) (PDF, 2 pages and 10 MB max.)
  3. 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.