European Digital Art and Science Network
- promotion of the mobility, training and networking of digital artists and entrepreneurs working at the interface between science and art
- fostering of interdisciplinary work and intercultural exchange
- gaining access to new target audiences
- raising awareness for new hybrid/cross-disciplinary cultural expressions and art’s role as a catalyst in processes of social renewal
In cooperation with seven artistic and cultural institutions as well as the ESA (European Space Agency), CERN, and the ESO (European Southern Observatory), Ars Electronica launched the European Digital Art and Science Network, an international initiative offering artists the chance to spend several weeks at ESA, CERN, ESO, and the Ars Electronica Futurelab.
In an annual call, artists from all countries are invited to apply for this residency by proposing innovative ideas situated at the interface of art, science and technology. An international, inter-disciplinary jury selects the artists for the residency. The residency itself consists of two parts: an initial 2-to-6-week residency at one of the scientific institutions (ESA, CERN and ESO) to serve as a source of inspiration, followed by a month with the Futurelab team at Ars Electronica Linz, where the artists further develop and realize their artistic work. During their stays, the artists are accompanied and supported by mentors. An artist fee in the amount of EUR 3,000,- as well as accommodations and travel costs are provided by an Ars Electronica-designated limited fund. The final work and its results are showcased at the Ars Electronica Festival in Linz/Austria and as part of modular, mobile exhibitions at the institutions of the seven cultural partners. These exhibitions are accompanied by workshops and discursive formats such as conferences and symposia. In three years, the network will organize 13 exhibitions, 8 workshops, and 9 conferences or symposia together with 8 European cultural partners.
The European Digital Art and Science Network consists of scientific institutions (ESA, CERN and ESO) that represent the pinnacle of European scientific research, the Ars Electronica Futurelab (which provides state-of-the-art technical means of production in a transdisciplinary discourse), and seven European cultural partners: Center for the Promotion of Science (RS), DIG Gallery (SK), Zaragoza City of Knowledge Foundation (ES), Kapelica Gallery / Kersnikova (SI), GV Art (UK), Laboral (ES), Science Gallery (IE).
- support the development and realization of at least 126 artistic projects and programs, linking digital arts to science
- ensure the circulation of the selected projects in the 8 residency mentor- and partner institutions;
- raise awareness for projects at the interface of science, technology and digital arts through i.a. through the organization of 13 exhibitions, 8 workshops and 9 conferences presented at 8 European cultural institutions.
- develop and expand the network of participating scientific and cultural institutions to 50 project partners, if possible
- reaching out to 200.000 visitors in cultural events at the crossing of art and science
- mobilizing > 250 cultural workers to actively engage in capacity building in the field of art&science in the framework of this project
- Media coverage (web and print) > 500
- >20 European countries benefiting from the project by hosting an event or engaging in activities
- fostering the exchange from European cultural organizations through > 12 partner meetings
- > 120 communication measures (press releases, conferences, advertisements kits, blog posts,…).
EUR 2,2 million for a period of three years;
Of this amount, Ars Electronica is contributing EUR 1,1 million, the other 50% is contributed by the participating institutions.
Half the financing of the European Digital Art and Science Network is being provided by the European Union (Creative Europe Programme); in the case of Ars Electronica the EU-funding is EUR 510,000 for the project. In addition, the Federal Chancellery co-funds the project with EUR 90,000. The remaining financing is provided by Ars Electronica – a mix of sponsoring, project revenues and the core funding of the Ars Electronica Festival by the City of Linz.
Please note that this project is still in its implementation phase, for which reason the results of the initial evaluations have not yet been published. What can be concluded at this point in time is that:
- this project contributes to establishing contacts and cooperation between artists and scientists.
- there is a considerably increased interest among scientists in interdisciplinary projects at the interface between art and culture.
- there is increased awareness and acceptance of art’s contribution to processes of innovation as well as to solutions for societal challenges. By creating images and narratives dealing with the potential risks and rewards inherent in technological and scientific development, artists exert an important influence over how our society comes to terms with these innovations.
Documentation examples of two project presentations (Arts Electronica 2015 and exhibition at LABoral):
Ars Electronica: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iWWZuxQpkWs
Materia Prima: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SOJ0XbsQ66s