Ars Virtua Artist-in-Residence (AVAIR): World of Warcraft Residence :: Call for Proposals :: Deadline: January 15, 2008 :: Jurors: Eddo Stern, James Morgan, Amy Wilson, and Jay Van Buran

Ars Virtua Gallery and New Media Center in Second Life is soliciting proposals for its artist-in-residence program. Established and emerging artists will work within the massively multiplayer online environment of World of Warcraft. The residency will culminate in an exhibition of documentation in Second Life and/or on the web. Residents will also receive a $400 stipend, training and mentorship as necessary. Ars Virtua Artist-in-Residence (AVAIR) is an extended performance that examines what it means to reside in a place that has no physical location. The purpose of the residency is to reflect on the nature of the game environment and terrestrial world in the context of contemporary art.

Ars Virtua is keenly aware of the growing power of synthetic worlds in terrestrial existence. The arts have already begun to infiltrate and influence the environment, development and understanding of these “places.” It is the purpose of this residency to give direct attention to the interrogation of the space, place, and metaphor. Residents will be encouraged to explore, experiment with and challenge traditional conventions of art making and distribution, value and the art market, artist and audience, space and place.

Application Process: Artists are encouraged to log in to World of Warcraft BEFORE applying. Be aware that Blizzard offers a 10 day Free trial, and that finalists will be contacted for an in world interview. Applications will be judged based on ideas presented and work previously executed. We are looking for an artist who is willing to work within what may be a new environment for them and be prepared to evolve in response to the synthetic world and Massively Multiplayer Online Role-Playing Game that is WoW.

To apply send the following information to avair-at-arsvirtua.com:

1) Name, address, phone number, email, Warcraft Character/Realm/Faction.
2) Link to an online portfolio (expect a 5 minute visit) and one page proposal. If you do not have an online portfolio please briefly discuss your work.

Timetable:

Jan 7 - official call
Jan 15 - applications/letters of interest due
Jan 16-20 - interviews (or equivalent in WoW)
Jan 21/22 Announcement

“AVAIR” is a 2006-2008 commission of New Radio and Performing Arts, Inc., (aka Ether-Ore) for its Turbulence web site. It was made possible with funding from the Jerome Foundation.

Ars Virtua is sponsored by the CADRE Laboratory for New Media.