The new* three-month Genspace Artist in Residence (AIR) program will support artists at the beginning of their investigation into the connections between the microbial world and their creative practice. The AIR program is designed for artists who want to devote intensive time to delving into biology's tools, knowledge, and techniques and exploring the intersection between science and the arts, a field known as BioArt. The AIR program will provide scientific mentoring, access to laboratory facilities, classes, a welcoming and active Genspace community, and a stipend. AIRs will receive support to share their work with the general public and the Genspace community through public programming and an exhibition.
The techniques of the biology lab have increasingly become part of the general culture and the field of BioArt, which has become an established discipline. BioArtists combine biological sciences with artistic investigation techniques and are often motivated by a desire to connect audiences to a more profound understanding of the natural world, question technology’s role in society, and approach urgent problems through innovative means. A painting made in collaboration with bacteria, a sculpture carved from mycelium, jewelry made with algae, and a performance piece that involves genetic manipulation are all examples of BioArt.
Sources and recommended reading for basic BioArt information:
”Bioart: An introduction” Science News. Nov. 23, 2015. Available here.
“Symbiotic Art.” Claire Pentecost. Art in America. March 2, 2022. Available here
If you have any questions about this application, please send an email to cmaclow@genspace.org, chall@genspace.org
Genspace is uniquely suited to support the needs of interdisciplinary artists who work with biological techniques because of the “maker culture” of our lab and the mix of experts able to provide guidance to artists’ projects. The tools and techniques of the biology lab have increasingly become part of the general culture, and the field of BioArt, where artists combine techniques from the biological sciences with artistic investigation, has become an established discipline.
Some examples of BioArtists who have worked at Genspace:
Lolo Ostia, Elaine Young, Karen ingram, Aradhita Parampsuria, Fan Kong, Sally Kong
We are accepting project proposals that combine an artistic vision with biological lab work. Previous laboratory experience is optional - all scientific knowledge and experience levels are welcome.
Applicant criteria:
Must have at least 3 years of experience in their artistic field
Must be 25+ years of age
Must be a resident of New York City or the tri-state area: NY, NJ, CT (the AIR program does not provide housing)
One AIR position is reserved for a South Brooklyn artist
The AIR program will support two artists for three months (April - June 2024). The AIR program will allow artists to access and fully leverage Genspace membership benefits.
Required time commitment:
We see this as an intensive work period, so we are seeking applicants who are able to commit to a minimum of 10 hrs/week in the lab. There will be a mandatory orientation on April 6, 2024 from 2pm-6pm, and a few other evening commitments throughout the first month of the residency.
Four classes introducing lab techniques and technology, weekday evenings, 6-9pm:
April 9, 10 - Sterile Technique & Genetic Ancestry
April 11, 16 - Molecular Cloning, Introduction to Genetic Engineering & Synthetic Biology
The residency includes:
Access to Community lab, equipment, and supplies
Free introductory intensive courses that teach necessary laboratory skills.
Scientific mentorship, selected in collaboration with the Genspace staff.
Curatorial consultants will help artists translate their projects to a broader audience.
A stipend of $4000
In addition, the AIR will have support for:
Engagement with Genspace youth programs
A public outreach program (i.e., a talk, workshop, or studio visit)
Public exhibition of art related to the residency
Note: Genspace is a Bio Safety Level 1 laboratory, meaning that no pathogens that are toxic to humans can be used in the laboratory.
A committee of Genspace community members, outside curators, and mentors will review the proposals and select those best suited to our mission and facility. The panel will prioritize artists with historically marginalized identities.
*Keep in mind that this is the first AIR program that Genspace has sponsored, so the upcoming AIRs will be our collaborators in devising this new initiative.
