Watershed is delighted to announce the recipients of the Studio Residencies 2012 commissions:

Juneau Projects’ Ben Sadler and Phil Duckworth will investigate how to collaborate with ‘thinking’ machines. From the chess-playing computer Deep Blue to Cleverbot, the online chatbot, 'thinking' machines are becoming an important part of our world. Building on past works that have used sculpture, sound, music, projection, animation and installation to examine ideas of technology, nature and possible future scenarios, they will research various Artificial Intelligence entities and discover ways of using their aesthetic suggestions to help create new sculptural artworks.

Working alongside them, new collaboration Timothy X Atack and MrUnderwood will further develop Sonic Graffiti, a series of small electronic audio devices, secreted in the urban environment. Activated by touch or by plugging headphones directly into the surface where a device is hidden, Sonic Graffiti offers a unique way to score and experience the environment. During their residency, Timothy and MrUnderwood will use combined expertise in sound design, performance, storytelling and repurposing of electronics and sensors, to investigate how Sonic Graffiti can be enhanced, and how it can be used to create playful audio experiences in urban space.

Studio Residencies will run from September to December 2012. During this time, the artists will regularly share their progress online and participate in open discussions at Pervasive Media Studio.

Join us for our first event on 21st September, a free Lunchtime Talk (1-2pm) at the Studio, in which the artists will introduce their work and their plans for the residencies.

We’re also planning a Showcase event at Watershed in January to share the outcomes of the residencies. A date for this event will be announced shortly.