Watershed was pleased to receive support from the Arts Council of England through the Digital Opportunities programme, to support two artists’ residencies at the Pervasive Media Studio.

Since April, newly formed collaboration Mercurial Wrestler (Jay Kerry & Becca Gill), and artist Hazel Grian, had the opportunity to research, produce and present projects at the juncture of art, pervasive technologies and culture. Now drawn to a close, the residency scheme sought to support early stage projects that required critical and technical investigation and discussion.

Maintaining the ethos of both the Pervasive Media Studio and Watershed’s previous artists development programme Clark’s Bursary, the aim of the research residencies was to provide artists with the space to be creative and develop digital practice in an unpressured environment, without the demands of producing a finalised piece of work. The focus was squarely on development, but the artists were also tasked with exposing their process and engaging the public throughout. You can still read their research journals here.

It’s been a really interesting few months for all of us. A series of work in progress events and talks at the Studio; getting creative with Arduino; looking for the connections between narrative and sensory triggers; debating the meaning of magic in a 21st century context; investigating the power of gesture; and inviting those who strolled into Watershed to get involved; has culminated in two installations - The Magician’s Desk and Daemon.

After a final showcase event in June, both projects have produced research reports, detailing their work and their experience of taking part in the scheme; and if you missed the showcase event don’t worry, we captured the whole thing for dShed (Watershed’s online publishing platform) and it’s now available to watch.

- Read Hazel Grian's Research Report: download
- Read Mercurial Wrestler's Research Report: download
- Watch the Showcase Event: dShed

We were also thrilled to support the exhibition of The Magician’s Desk at Shift Happens in York earlier this month; and if you missed it at Watershed, there's another chance to experience it this week as part of Ferment at Bristol Old Vic (showing 15th & 16th July).

And finally, many thanks to the artists and all those who contributed to making the scheme a success. We look forward to seeing you at future Studio events.

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.