REGIONAL S+T+ARTS Centres | AIR for European Resilience

AIR for European Resilience a project of the S+T+ARTS Regional Centres, is an initiative led by the Media Solution Center BW that proposes, through the creation of a consortium of 8 partners from 5 different European countries, the creation of 4 S+T+ARTS Regional Centres in Germany, Spain, Italy and Slovenia. The novelty lies in making available, for the first time, the technology and knowledge of two of the most important supercomputing centres in Europe. These four regional centres will be established as hubs with not only local but also international dimension, bringing together artists, industry, citizens and policy stakeholders, among others. Through 10 residencies, collaborative experiments, and artistic exploration, the initiative aims to unlock the transformative potential of the cultural sector, foster critical thinking, and offer fresh perspectives on the future of our society in the face of technological advancements and environmental changes.

The starting point of the project is a collaborative workshop carried out during May 2023 in which different representatives of each member of the consortium formed by MSC, PINA, SONY, IN4ART, RCR, ERSTE, and EPICA have participated. The aim of the meeting is to define new languages, the rules and the proper environment in which this horizontal collaboration between science, technology and the arts will take place, which is the general objective of the project.
 
In these co-creation sessions that have involved more than 20 people, we have worked to define and create the program of activities that will be developed in the 4 S+T+ARTS Regional Hubs, as well as the challenges that will serve as a framework for the 10 art-driven innovation residencies that will be part of the project.

Air extends beyond the invisible substance we breathe. It encompasses both visible and invisible elements, complementing our senses and connecting us to our surroundings. It acts as a warning system, heightening our perception of danger and evoking deep emotions through scent. Air enables the existence of sound and has a tactile connection to our body, particularly our hair and skin.
Air played a vital role in verbal communication, language development, and logical thinking, laying the groundwork for scientific and technological progress. This dynamic has allowed humans to translate intricate processes into symbolic representations, making the unseen visible. Through the integration of science, technology, and art, we aim to create challenges that bridge these realms of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse realities and concepts intertwined with the air. 
We invite creative and artists to participate in the S+T+ARTS AIR Residencies, which deepen the multifaceted nature of AIR and its profound significance in our lives.

The project makes available a residencies programme focused on two main themes: Resilient interspecies urban ecosystems and Human AI Ecosystems, presenting a unique opportunity for artists to collaborate at the intersection of art, science, and technology. AIR will support and host 10 artists through the S+T+ARTS residencies between December 2023 and September 2024, distributing a total amount of 400.000 eur. 
For artists interested in joining AIR as a resident artist, the project consortium offers access to the technologies and know-how of two of Europe’s leading supercomputing centers (HLRS in Stuttgart and BSC in Barcelona), SONY Computer Science Laboratories in Rome, HEKA lab & KUBER in Koper, Slovenia, and the artistic expert organizations Fundación ÉPICA La Fura dels Baus from Badalona, Media Solutions Center (MSC) from Stuttgart, In4Art from Rotterdam and RCR Architects from Barcelona.
The S+T+ARTS AIR Residencies aim to have a lasting impact on the artistic community, as well as the broader public. Artists will be encouraged to actively participate in workshops, exhibitions, and public events, sharing their creative processes and engaging with diverse audiences.

Check the guide for applicants here, and the complete project information here.

The submission period started on 12th July and will end on 22nd September at 17.00 CEST.