4warding: Please distribute widely
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MIT seeks applications for Computing Culture Research Group, deadline
Dec. 15
The Computing Culture research Group is now accepting applications for
admission in the Fall of 2004. CCG is an art/technology/activism
research group within the MIT Media Lab. Recent projects have included
the DJ I Robot Sound System, Government Information Awareness, Critical
Cartographies, Doom Monitor, Haptic Opposition, and the Afghan Explorer.
Researchers in the group have shown and presented work from Soho
to Singapore. The group is accepting several students for the two-year,
funded Master of Science program. Applicants from any nation may apply.
Computing Culture is based on the premise that artists can and should
invent technologies. We are less interested in using existing
technologies for expression than in authoring new ones, ones that might be
overlooked by the market or the interests of science and engineering
practice. Our research results in specific works of art, but also helps
further an understanding of the relationships between art, technology, and
cultural production. Some of the strategies that we practice include
interventions in contemporary consumer electronics, creating special
events for public situations, and applying technical development to
cultural agendas that wouldn't normally receive it.
Our emphasis is on physically and spatially embodied (rather than
screen-based) projects, and work that engenders technology with
significant social agency. Prospective applicants may be trained in
either art, humanities, science, or engineering, but should show
crossover. For instance, an art or humanities student should ideally be
an accomplished programmer, have machining skills, and be able to design
and fabricate electronics. An engineering student should have done
several art projects, worked with a professional artist, or shown their
ability to author radical or unexpected technologies. Those without a
combination of technical and critical skills need not apply.
Applications are due December 15th. A portfolio of previous works is
required. Information on how to apply may be found at
http://www.media.mit.edu/mas/apply.html. More information about the
group may be found at our somewhat pathetic web site,
http://compcult.media.mit.edu/.
Christopher P. Csikszentmihalyi
Director, Computing Culture Group
E15-020A | 20 Ames Street
Cambridge | MA | USA | 02139-5275
Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
MIT Media Lab
[email protected]
www.media.mit.edu/~csik
FELLOWSHIPS: MIT seeks applications for Computing Culture Research Group (fwd)
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