This residency is part of a long-standing research trajectory at the ICST in the field of generative art, with a particular focus on the use of computer-based generative systems to develop semi-autonomous interactive systems that artists can engage with as co-creative partners.
The current call for this residency is centered on an ongoing research project titled PEMIDA (PErsonalised Music Instrument for DAncers). The project investigates how artists can be equipped with a highly personalised, semi-autonomous musical instrument that translates movement into sound. Using machine learning, the instrument is trained on each artist's unique movement vocabulary alongside a curated musical corpus. Once trained, it enables the artist to engage in an improvisational dialogue with the system, generating music through movement. In doing so, PEMIDA seeks to move beyond conventional dichotomies—control and surrender, creation and exploration, acting and being acted upon —toward a more fluid and reciprocal mode of artistic expression.
The call offers artists the opportunity to experiment with creative applications of PEMIDA and to adapt it for the realization of a new work. Selected artist(s) will receive support in the application, training, and modification of the system. In addition, they will have access to and assistance with the technical infrastructure at the ICST, including a motion capture system, a multichannel surround sound system, video projectors, and dedicated workstations for training machine learning models.
The residency is intended for individual artists or artistic duos with a background in, or strong interest in either contemporary dance or computer music, and experience with computer-based generative techniques. Candidates are asked to submit a proposal to be developed during the residency (see “Conditions, Application & Selection Process”).