Computing Culture Group / MIT -- call for applications

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/.

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@media.mit.edu
www.media.mit.edu/~csik