We are delighted to announce an open call for our Patterns in Practice Artist Residency. We are looking for an artist who is interested in data mining and/or machine learning to develop artistic ideas and conversations.  

What is Patterns in Practice?

Patterns in Practice is a research project led by the University of Sheffield and the University of the West of England in partnership with Watershed. The project aims to enhance understanding of how human beliefs, values and feelings affect how we engage with data mining (the practice of analysing large databases in order to generate new information) and machine learning (computer systems that are able to learn and adapt without following explicit instructions, by using algorithms and statistical models to analyse and draw inferences from patterns in data).

Those working in drug discovery, higher education and the arts are regularly working with, and making decisions based on insight from computational systems. But this is not a neutral enterprise. When information, machine processes and people come together - data cultures and relations emerge which go out and do things in the world. They might effect what drugs get prescribed, what mark someone gets for their degree or how funding is directed.

After nearly three years talking to people in these fields – exploring ideas like technology hype, prediction, privacy, money flow and good judgement – the partners in this project have a wealth of insight and material. We are now inviting an artist of any discipline to delve in and respond to what they find. We are most interested in working with an artist whose practice involves active audience engagement and/or participation. An artist who is willing to engage people in activities that spark feelings and conversations about data cultures, as part of the development of work. This is a fantastic opportunity to research and develop new or existing artistic ideas, meet incredible people, experiment, share and think.

Who are we looking for?

We’re looking for an artist whose practice involves active audience engagement and/or participation as work is developed. You don’t need to be an expert in data, AI or machine learning but should have an interest in the impact of technology on society. We are excited about what you will bring that is different and unexpected and will work with you to design a process that makes sense for your practice.

We will ask you to come with:

  • Enthusiasm and ambition to grow and develop your practice.
  • An open, curious, experimental approach and willingness to engage people during the development of the work and provoke reflections on ideas.
  • Dedicated research time at the Pervasive Media Studio.
  • Regular online documentation of progress and ideas.
  • Participation in critiques, discussions and meetings.
  • Informal conversations with members of the Studio and research community.
  • A public sharing of ideas towards the end of the residency.
  • A willingness to participate in an evaluation process that includes reflection and feedback on your time with us.
  • A willingness to develop work that considers inclusion and sustainability at its core.

Am I eligible to apply?

Before applying please check the following eligibility criteria:

  • You must currently reside, (or plan to reside) in the UK for the duration of the residency.
  • You must be at a mid-late career stage.
  • You can work within any artistic discipline/s, but you must be interested in creatively using technology with your practice. You must also have an interest in data mining and machine learning.
  • You must use active audience engagement and/or participation with your practice.
  • You can apply as an individual or group (though unfortunately we’re unable to offer additional fees for group applications).
  • Undergraduate students and postgraduate students in full time education are not eligible to apply.

When and where will it take place?

The Residency will take place over (at least) 32 flexible days between mid-October 2023 and end of January 2024, with a public sharing of research and ideas in January 2024.

It will be hosted at Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio - a space within Watershed that houses a community of over 180 artists, creative companies, technologists and academics, all exploring ideas at the intersection of art, design and creative technology.

The Pervasive Media Studio is wheelchair accessible, we have a quiet room and there will be opportunity to discuss any specific access requirements. If you would like to learn more about the space and community please visit our website.

What support is available?

The Artist in Residence will receive:

  • £8000 artist bursary
  • A travel and accommodation bursary
  • Access to a materials/production budget
  • Support from Watershed and UWE staff, researchers and members of the Pervasive Media Studio community. This includes support around research, production, creative technology development and exhibition/showcasing ideas.
  • Opportunity to think, make, engage and experiment
  • Opportunity to share ideas with a public audience

What is the timeline?

  • Mon 4 Sept, 09:00 (BST) - Application closing date
  • Tue 12 Sept - Applicants notified
  • Mon 18 Sept - Interviews (Online)
  • 16 Oct 2023 - 19 Jan 2024 - Residency Period

How do I apply?

To apply you will need to complete an Application Form. You can find the form here.

Application Forms will be shortlisted by a panel. The shortlist will be invited to online interview. Interviews will take place on Mon 18 Sept and questions will be sent in advance. One artist will be selected from interviews.

If you have any access requirements that means the form or online interviews do not work for you, please contact us at any point at: talentdevelopment@watershed.co.uk

What are the assessment criteria?

When assessing proposals we will score each application against the following questions:

  • Does this person meet all of the eligibility criteria?
  • Does this person demonstrate experience that is relevant to Patterns in Practice?
  • Does this person demonstrate the use of active audience engagement and/or participation within development of existing work/s?
  • Does this opportunity fit with this persons interests and career trajectory?
  • Will this make a difference to the person applying?

If you have any questions / queries please email us at talentdevelopment@watershed.co.uk.

 

Patterns in Practice is led by the University of Sheffield and UWE Bristol in partnership with Watershed, funded by the Arts and Humanities Research Council. It seeks to understand how practitioner beliefs, values and emotions shape practitioner engagements with machine learning in drug discovery, higher education, and the arts.

Patterns in Practice logo  A purple shield and the words University of Sheffield

a red box with white text that reads UWE Bristol University of the West of England   black letters that read Watershed  a black and yellow rectangle with the words UKRI Arts and Humanities Research Council