[artinfo] [spectre] Computing Culture Group / MIT -- call for applications

[Chris Csikszentmihalyi]

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 recent 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/.

Please forgive us if you have received any cross-postings.

--
Christopher P. Csikszentmihályi
Director, Computing Culture Group
E15-020A | 20 Ames Street
Cambridge | MA | USA | 02139-5275

Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
MIT Media Lab
csik at media.mit.edu
www.media.mit.edu/~csik