Transart Pilot Program: Technology for Artists

Transart will introduce a pilot program this fall for students who wish to make extensive use of technology in their projects, e.g. immersive environments, augmented reality, sensors, audio, video, Max/MSP/Jitter, etc. Students now have the option of getting individual project support from engineers, artists, soft- and hardware specialists through partnerships with other institutions.

Our first technology partnership will be with Harvestworks in Manhattan, an institution with which Transart has a history. The independent study structure available at Harvestworks aligns well with the Transart model of one year projects and self-directed study supported by advisors.

Within this partnership artists will have the opportunity to get technical support for their MFA and PhD projects including up to 20 hours of custom private tutorials, one-on-one instruction allowing students to explore the tools necessary to complete their individual projects as well as unlimited labtime in HW’s computer lab, support by assistant teachers as well as a presentation of the final project at Harvestworks. These independent studies typically last a month but depending on the project, can last for up to six months.

Transart students interested in working with Harvestworks in this capacity will send a proposal to Harvestworks and Transart which includes: 300-600 word descriptions of the project, what technology it should include and what kind of support they will need from Harvestwork’s staff. This is an open invitation without deadlines. Transart Insitute will cover 50% of the cost (up to $900) for this pilot project to ensure that students learn new technologies essential to their projects quickly and efficiently, keeping the focus in the program on the project itself and to encourage students to expand their understanding of the technologies which can best communicate their work and/or enable them to find the right contributors for collaborative projects.