[rohrpost] [Fwd: Computing Culture Group -- call for applications]

[Tamiko Thiel]

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: Computing Culture Group -- call for applications
Date: Sun, 2 Nov 2003 02:28:12 -0500
From: Chris Csikszentmihalyi <csik at media.mit.edu>


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