We’ve been genuinely struck by the ideas and achievements of our artists in residence over the past year. With themes of climate change, communication, Brexit, identity, food futures and LGBTQ histories, their research has spanned many concerns. Hosted within the Pervasive Media Studio, our extraordinary research space, the artists have really pushed themselves and their practice. So what have they been up to?

Noise Orchestra and Action Hero joined us as Artists in Residence last autumn. Inspired by the Russian Avant-Garde, Noise Orchestra have examined ways of ‘hearing’ light within architectural spaces. They have created SWARM, a public city symphony which translates light into noise. It is touring to three Festivals including the Rome Media Art Festival in May. We’re also hoping to test it in Bristol in March – watch this space!

Action Hero will travel through Europe later this year in a motorhome housing a recording studio - inviting people from across our continent to sing a love song. Songs from Norway to Greece will combine to form an ever-growing broadcast called OH EUROPA.

In his last blog post, James Stenhouse of Action Hero says:

“A great thing about working at the Pervasive Media Studio is that we have had ample opportunity to experiment, to actively work with technology and discover ways to use it that are compatible with the project and how we like to operate as artists.”

David Lisser joined Watershed and We The Curious to develop a project examining how food and farming might change, as populations increase and climate change hits. His residency culminated in The CleanMeat Revolution exhibition. In his latest blog post, David reflects on his residency.

David Lisser says:

“Working at Watershed’s Pervasive Media Studio was a genuinely extraordinary period in my life, I saw inspiring things, had lots of brain-breaking conversations, shared in the excitement of various developing projects and met some truly wonderful people who have changed how I live life.”

Aidan Moesby's residency investigated digital technology and how it might enhance his practice. He is obsessed by weather, both the physical and the psycho-emotional inner kind. Aidan talks about his work on Fri 23 Feb at 13.00, sharing his incredible journey.

Imwen Eke is developing Blk Rooms, a project she began whilst in residence with Blast Theory. This alternative theatre piece guides audiences through interactive narratives that share Black British experiences. We’ll keep you posted with progress.

And currently on our New Talent Residencies programme are three duos, Michael Jenkins and Lawrence Hoo, Alec Stevens and Nikki Hogg, and Vytautas Jankauskas and Jon Flint. Lawrence & Michael are developing CARGO, an immersive experience sharing the triumphs of the African diaspora. Alec & Nicola are No Stone Unturned, making a street game to uncover Bristol’s LGBTQ past. And Vytas & Jon are crafting Somestic Media - home appliances that expose our relationship to social media. You can hear more at a special event on Tue 13 March at 18.30.

We’re looking forward to working with these and many more artists throughout 2018. If you have an idea - here's how you can get involved:

• Our funded residency programme opens for applications later in the year
• If you already have funding or other means to support your practice, you can apply anytime to join the Pervasive Media Studio community
• Or, you can join us weekly at Pervasive Media Studio for Open Studio Fridays, all welcome!

Our Residency programmes are made possible with the kind support of Arts Council England.

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