Watershed has commissioned two research residencies at the Pervasive Media Studio that will support South West artists, to produce and present projects at the juncture of art, pervasive technologies and culture.

We're pleased to welcome Jay Kerry & Becca Gill. A newly formed partnership, they will use this opportunity to experiment with illusions invented by magicians and engineers in the 19th and early 20th century and reinvent these utilising film, performance and pervasive technologies. They're looking to maintain the aesthetic of 19th century illusions and whilst creating 21st century narratives within site-specific installation.

Jay and Becca will work alongside Hazel Grian. A writer/director with a background in short film, theatre and radio, Hazel has spent the past 4 years focusing on Alternate Reality Games - multi-platform interactive narratives crossing the digital and the physical worlds, engaging online audiences in collective creative experiences. Working in partnership with Dr Kenton O’Hara at Microsoft Research, Hazel will use this opportunity to explore the exciting area of robotics and narrative.

Running throughout April and May, the scheme will offer lots of opportunities for you to join the conversation. You could help test out ideas in Watershed, take part in discussions, or simply follow the artists’ online journals.

For more information about the artists, upcoming events and project journals, visit: http://www.pmstudio.co.uk/project/artists-residencies

Pervasive Media Studio Artists Residencies is a Watershed initiative, managed by iShed.

This programme is funded by Arts Council England through the Digital Opportunities programme 2008-2011.