Interdisciplinary residency at the intersection of ecology and technology

Milieux Institute is proud to launch a new residency program in partnership with Concordia University’s Research Chair in Critical Practices in Materials and Materiality and the artist-run centre Perte de Signal. This partnership aims to initiate and enhance interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of new materials and technology, and to propel reflection and action on the multiple implications of socio-environmental issues.

Examining the impact of the technosphere on the status of the living, the Speculative Life Biolab is a hybrid, interdisciplinary research-creation laboratory (biosafety level 1) dedicated to the development and facilitation of conceptual and material exploration.

The residency program is open to applications from digital and new media artists who wish to deepen their reflections and research at the intersection of ecology and technology. It aims to support artist-researchers in their approach and/or research into new circular devices involving bio-electronics, living, semi-living and composite materials integrated into the fabrication of works.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA:

  • Open to digital and new media artists;
  • Ability of the host organization to support the artistic process;
  • Suitability of the approach to the orientations of the Critical Practices in
    Materials and Materiality Research Chair and the Speculative Life Biolab of the
    Milieux Institute;
  • Originality of the research problem;
  • Feasibility of the project and autonomy of the candidate;
  • Impact of the proposed project on the artistic approach;
  • Ability to communicate in English;
  • Must be at least 18 years old;

 

RESIDENCY TERMS:


The residency program will include:

  • Mandatory biosafety training and certification, as well as mentoring in the laboratory environment;
  • Access to the Speculative Life BioLab for twelve weeks;
  • Follow-up and mentoring by lab management and students;
  • 50 hours of technical support from the Speculative Life Biolab;
  • Seven days’ access to the rustines_lab over one year;
  • An artist’s fee of $2,000;
  • A production fee of $500;
  • A public presentation co-organized by the Milieux Institute and Perte de Signal;

TO APPLY:


The Milieux Speculative Life Biolab has expertise in working with materials, organisms and techniques including mycelium, biopolymers, algae, the transformation of natural fibers, waste and other residues into active biocomposites, bacteria, 3D bioprinting and microscopy. We welcome proposals including other materials and organisms, but these will need to be discussed with the laboratory team to assess feasibility. Interested parties can submit their proposals in PDF format in English or French.

It should include :

  • A short text presenting the artistic approach (250 words);
  • A curriculum vitae including the candidate’s technical skills (e.g. electronics,
    programming, sound, video, etc.);
  • A short presentation of the project, including conceptual, theoretical and
    artistic references, and a practical overview of the activities and materials
    proposed for the laboratory (2 pages maximum);
  • The impact of the proposed activities on the artist’s approach, and their
    relevance to the host organization’ s orientations (250 words);
  • A link to an online portfolio;

 

📅 Deadline to apply: March 3, 2025

📩 Applications have to be submitted by email to: centre@perte-de-signal.org

🔗 perte de signal

Speculative Life BioLab

Concordia University’s Research Chair in Critical Practices in Materials and Materiality

 

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