Soft Data and Common Wares

Artist Residencies in 2023–2024

We invite artists to join us in our conversations on diverse topics such as: the non-neutrality of data, algorithmic bias, digital labor, the invisible infrastructures of data collection, gender and the body, networks, methods, sonic technologies, interpretative nature of data, and earth + space + body. The goal is to create connections (between people, projects, and spaces) and build a vocabulary of commons. We envision projects that explore the creation of artifacts, materials and processes of any medium (multidisciplinary practices encouraged).

— WHAT IS SOFT DATA AND COMMON WARES? —

‘Soft Data and Common Wares’ is an ongoing interdisciplinary collaboration between the DXARTS Softlab (e-textiles and wearable technology lab run by Afroditi Psarra in DXARTS) and Studio Tilt (interaction design research studio run by Audrey Desjardins in Design). The collaboration probes the connections between working with data-driven approaches and crafting physical artifacts, and examines the intimate spaces of the home and the body, and the assistive and affective technologies they engage with. Both labs are interested in the process of collecting, archiving, and critically transcoding data from the intimate spaces of the home and the body, and the search for meaningful interpretations; they use material experimentations and prototyping as techniques to shape social identities and create intellectual and cultural commons.
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Our websites:
www.dx-softlab.com
‍www.studiotilt.design

‍The Soft Data and Common Wares Zine #1:
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Soft Data and Common Wares #1 by Audrey Desjardins

— THE RESIDENCIES —

We invite artists to join us in our conversations on diverse topics such as: the non-neutrality of data, algorithmic bias, digital labor, the invisible infrastructures of data collection, gender and the body, networks, methods, sonic technologies, interpretative nature of data, and earth + space + body. The goal is to create connections (between people, projects, and spaces) and build a vocabulary of commons. We envision projects that explore the creation of artifacts, materials and processes of any medium (multidisciplinary practices encouraged).

The residency is hosted in an academic setting (at University of Washington, Seattle, USA) so there is a possibility to work with students in art and design. The last week will involve public sharing of the project (including a talk). We also plan to exhibit the work (e.g. in a gallery setting or installation) beyond the timeframe of the exhibition.

What we offer:
- Shared studio space
- Access to fabrication equipment
- A small budget for materials
- Exhibition space
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Payment and support:
The residency includes:
- $3000 honorarium
- Travel funding (up to $650)
- Accommodation (up to $2000)

Timeline:
We will host 2 residencies (1 month long). Residencies will take place in Spring 2024 (starting April 1st until June 30th).

Proposals are due: October 1st, 2023
Decisions sent out: November 1st, 2023

Location:
Seattle, Washington
University of Washington, DXARTS SoftLab and Studio Tilt, in the Art Building.

Dissemination of the project:
At the end of the residency, we envision publishing the project on our labs websites and in print zine format (adding to our growing collection of zines on the topic of Soft Data and Common Wares).

Who is eligible?
- Artists, designers, performers, creative researchers.
- Open to both local and international applicants.
- Depending on the country, the artist is in charge of applying for their Visa. The University of Washington will provide a letter of invitation that can act as a sponsorship for a J-1 Visa.
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— HOW TO APPLY —
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Please submit (use this link: https://forms.gle/3V3phJgFkBM1SEDY9 ):
- A proposal for the project (max 1000 words, and feel free to include sketches or diagrams for visual support). The proposal should include a description, project objectives, technical needs, materials envisioned.
- A rough timeline of how you plan to spend your 4 weeks of residency.
- A CV.
- A link to your portfolio

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For any questions, please contact Afroditi Psarra (apsarra@uw.edu) or Audrey Desjardins (adesjard@uw.edu)

The collaboration probes the connections between working with data-driven approaches and crafting physical artifacts, and examines the intimate spaces of the home and the body, and the affective technologies they engage with.