These are the two ideas that will be explored through Watershed's Studio Residencies 2012 commissions: Collaborating with Artificial Intelligence and Sonic Graffiti.

The Studio Residencies offer artists the rare chance to research projects at the intersection of art, technology and culture - supported by the unique collaborative environment of Watershed's Pervasive Media Studio.

Artists Ben Sadler and Phil Duckworth of Juneau Projects will investigate the artistic possibilities of collaborating with ‘thinking’ machines. Represented by London’s Ceri Hand Gallery, Juneau Projects' groundbreaking work involves the use of sculpture, sound, music, projection, animation, and installation. They currently have work in the Tatton Park Biennial and recently presented a solo show at Site Gallery, Sheffield. Their latest projects examine ideas of technology, nature and possible future scenarios, and for this Residency, they will research various Artificial Intelligence entities to discover ways of using their aesthetic suggestions to help create sculptural artwork.

Juneau Projects say:

‘We are interested in questioning how technology can inform what we make, rather than being just a tool employed in the process. From the chess-playing computer Deep Blue to Cleverbot, the online chatbot program, 'thinking' machines are becoming an important part of our world. For our Residency, we will investigate how we can collaborate with Artificial Intelligence programs, to make new physical artworks. This research will build on our recent project Čapexagon, in which we used robot arm building kits to make abstract landscape paintings.'

Working alongside them, a new collaboration between writer, performer and composer Timothy X Atack and musician, sound artist and instrument designer Mr Underwood 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 Mr Underwood will use combined expertise in sound design, performance, storytelling and repurposing of electronics and sensors, to investigate how Sonic Graffiti can create playful audio experiences in urban space.

Mr Underwood explains the thinking behind Sonic Graffiti:

‘Timothy and I are thrilled to develop ideas based around Tim’s writing and composition and my Sonic Graffiti project. We plan to create a number of new sonic electronic devices, to be secreted in public places across Bristol. Our current thinking is that Tim’s influence will help to shape the work in terms of providing a narrative, a journey. This is something I have never tried to address with my Sonic Graffiti pieces, but we feel it could offer great potential to create a more engaging or even moving experience. The work will explore our shared interest in how audio can enhance a sense of place, by using inspirations lifted directly from a person’s location. With my emphasis on extending user interfaces and Tim’s on narrative, we’re genuinely excited about the potential of this opportunity.’

Studio Residencies will run throughout October and November 2012. The artists will regularly share their ideas online and participate in open discussions at the Pervasive Media Studio, so you can follow their progress. We’re also planning a Showcase event at Watershed in December to share the outcomes of the residencies.

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