Artist-in-the-Lab (AiL) Program

The Artist-in-the-Lab (AiL) program aims at fostering the collaboration between art, science, and technology. Artists will be embedded in the teuscher.:Lab lab at Portland State University where they can engage and interact with scientists and students to gain a deeper understanding of cutting-edge science and technology. Through a collaborative effort with lab members, dialogs, and mutual inspiration, artists will create original artwork that engages an audience in creative, new, and unconventional ways to see and experience science and technology. The AiL program hopes to challenge expectations, to change perspectives, to engage the audience in critical thinking, and to broaden the understanding in science and technology.

The lab

Eligibility

Any local artist living and working within Portland or the wider metropolitan area. Your commute to the Portland State University campus must be reasonable.

Selection process

A selection committee will review the initial applications. Shortlisted artists will be selected based on the creativity of the artist’s project, the proposed engagement with scientists and students in the teuscher.:Lab community, the professionalism, and the feasibility of the project within the proposed timeframe. The final selection will be made following a brief in-person interview at Portland State University.

FAQ

  • Q: What science and technology do you work on? A: See research.
  • Q: How long is a typical residency in the lab? A: In general, at least one term (10 weeks). But the length is flexible and will be negotiated based on the artist’s project idea.
  • Q: What’s the best time for your residency? A: Summer tends to be the busiest time in the lab, when the place is buzzing with students and interns.
  • Q: Can I interact with other scientists and students in the Maseeh College of Engineering and Computer Science (MCECS) and/or at PSU? A: Sure, as long as it benefits your project.
  • Q: Will I receive a stipend? A: We are neither in a position to offer a stipend nor to cover any expenses for your project.
  • Q: Can I get a parking pass and/or free parking? A: Parking on the PSU campus is limited. We suggest you use public transport to come to campus.
  • Q: How will I be able to access the lab? A: Campus buildings can only be accessed with PSU ID cards. We will complete a “courtesy appointment” for you that covers liability and will allow you to obtain a PSU ID card.
  • Q: Will artists retain the rights to their artwork? A: Yes, artists retain their full rights. We only ask for permission to feature the artwork in reports, on the lab’s website, and on social media.
  • Q: Where’s the lab? A: Directions.
  • Q: Is there an application fee? A: Nope.
  • Q: Is there an application deadline? A: Nope, applications can be submitted anytime.
  • Q: How long will it take to review my application? A: At least a month.

Application

There is no application deadline. Applications can be submitted anytime and will be reviewed on a rolling basis.

Your application will need to include the following:

  • Your resume/CV.
  • A video (or audio) recording with a general description of the art project you envision (10min limit). The recording should address the following questions:
    • How does your project and being embedded in the teuscher.:Lab fit with your previous and current work?
    • How are you inspired by science and technology, or how would you like to bring science and technology into your work?
    • How would you engage scientists and students in teuscher.:Lab in the process of creating your artwork?
    • What would be your audience?
    • How would your project engage the local (and possibly non-local) broader community?
    • How would your project further the understanding of science and technology outside of the lab?
    • What medium(s) would you use for your project?
    • What timeline do you have in mind for completing the project?
  • Portfolio:
    • Please submit representative examples of past work that represent the kind of artwork you are proposing to create.
    • The submission is limited to 5 images or 5 links.
    • The selection committee will only consider the 5 representative examples.

Apply now!

Contact

See here.