[artinfo] Algorithms that Matter - Artistic Research Residency

[Hanns Holger Rutz]

__Algorithms that Matter__

Artistic Research Residency - Call for Applications
https://almat.iem.at/call

Algorithms that Matter (Almat) is an artistic research project funded by
the Austrian Science Fund FWF, PEEK AR 403-GBL, and based at the
Institute of Electronic Music and Acoustics (IEM) in Graz, Austria.

Almat is happy to announce a call for three artistic residencies to take
place in 2017/18!

__What__

Algorithms that Matter is an artistic research project by Hanns Holger
Rutz and David Pirrò. It aims at understanding the increasing influence
of algorithms, translating them into aesthetic positions in sound,
building a new perspective on algorithm agency by subjecting the realm
of algorithms to experimentation.

Almat is grounded in the idea that algorithms are agents that
co-determine the boundary between an artistic machine or "apparatus" and
the object produced through this machine. The central question is: How
do algorithmic processes emerge and structure the praxis of experimental
computer music? The hypothesis is that these processes, instead of being
separated from the composer-as generators and transformers of infinite
shapes-exhibit a specific force that retroacts and changes the very
praxis of composition and performance.

A series of systematic experiments is carried out by the project team
together with the artists in residence. Over defined periods of time,
artists develop series of interrelated sound pieces that interrogate
specific aspects of algorithmicity. The work process is observed and
transcribed into complementary forms of presentation and discourse,
including concerts and exhibitions, an online public "continuous
exposition", and gatherings that connect artists-researchers across
various institutions in Europe.

The project not only aims at extending the praxis of experimental
computer music using algorithmic processes, but also at contributing to
the scope and methodology of artistic research.

__Who__

This call is directed at experienced practitioners in sound art and
experimental computer music, for whom algorithmic and computational
strategies represent a central element in their work. Applicants should
be able to demonstrate this through their past work. They are capable
and interested in exposing and reflecting their process and work through
writing, discussion and other forms of discourse. During the project,
they are expected to either engage with software frameworks that the
project team has developed, or with software they have developed in open
source environments.

__Residencies__

The project offers three residencies in the period from October 2017 to
December 2018
(see possible periods listed in the application form).

The project is conceived in such way, that applicants will work
collaboratively with the project team. Each residency will be preceded
by an online preparatory process in cooperation with the project team
(this will begin at latest two months before the start of the actual
residency). The applicants are then expected to spend the two months of
the residency in situ.

The residency's aim is to carry out algorithmic experimentation (in the
form of compositions, installations, etc.) in an iterative setting, with
focus on process and specific constraints. Applicants are expected to
work both independently and collaboratively during the residency. An
additional researcher will observe and document the work process and
contribute to the public exposition of the traces.

The tangible outcomes will be presented locally and internationally by
the project team, and the artists are invited to attend events related
to the project. We want to emphasise that research is the prime focus of
the residency, but that we intend to provide opportunities for public
presentation of the works and artefacts created through the process.

__Application__

The applicants are commended to carefully read through the summary,
research questions and methodology provided on the project's website:
https://almat.iem.at

Please fill out the form provided at https://almat.iem.at/call.html and
send it to almat at iem.at along with the required accompanying documents.

We aim at a balance of gender and background of the applicants,
asserting the diversity of the project.

__Conditions__

- Duration of residency: 2 months
- Start date (in situ): October 2017 (select time slots in form)
- Remuneration: c. 5,000 EUR total (contract for work; subject to
taxation where applicable). This sum is meant to cover all expenses,
such as travelling, living costs and accommodation.

__Application deadline:__ 16 April 2017 (e-mail reception, 24:00 CET)

If you have further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us at
almat at iem.at.

__Additional Information__

The Institute of Electronic Music and Acoustics is a department of the
University of Music and Performing Arts Graz, founded in 1965. It is a
leading institution in its field, with more than 25 staff members of
researchers and artists. IEM offers education to students in composition
and computer music, sound engineering, contemporary music performance
and musicology.

What we offer:
- 24/7 access to the facilities of the IEM (http://iem.kug.ac.at/en).
- A desk in a shared office space for the entire period and access to
studios including the CUBE which has a 24-channel loudspeaker system and
motion tracking, according to availability.

What we cannot offer:
- We can not provide any housing, although we will try to help with
finding accommodation.