jump to navigation

Pervasive Media Studio Artists Residencies

January 25, 2010

Posted by victoria in: Innovation | Add a comment

Watershed is offering two research residencies at the Pervasive Media Studio that will support South West artists, to produce and present projects at the juncture of art, pervasive technologies and culture.

In a shifting media landscape finding time and resources to explore ideas augmented by new technologies can be tricky. The residency programme was set-up as a direct response to this challenge, creating a ‘safe space’ for development in a peer-led arena.

A full brief and application form is now available and we'll be accepting applications from 1st February 2010. The scheme is looking for digital and non-digital artists’ interested in seeking time and space to research innovative ideas, explore technique, develop new works and make new connections.

Download application form (doc)

Download full brief (PDF)

Pervasive Media Studio Artists Residencies is a Watershed initiative, managed by iShed.

This programme is funded by Arts Council England through the Digital Opportunities programme 2008-2011.



2009 at the Pervasive Media Studio

January 12, 2010

Posted by Shirin in: Innovation | Gaming | Mobile | Bristol | pervasive | Add a comment

The Pervasive Media Studio brings together creative practice and technological innovation to produce the content, applications and experiences of the future. The Studio was built on the legacy of Mobile Bristol and is a collaboration by Watershed and UWE's Digital Cultures Research Centre (DCRC) and managed by iShed.

The last 12 months have been exciting and busy. We have received some great recognition including the Media Innovation Award For Outstanding Contribution, the One World Media Award for Hazel Grian and a Vauxhall commission for Duncan Speakman's subtlemob as if it were the last time. Other highlights of the year include the Extended Theatre Experience which researched digital technology and theatre; Simon Games' igfest attracting over 1000 players from across the world and AntiVJ's Projecting Holograms.

We were also delighted to secure Technology Strategy Board funding for a collaborative research project with Bristol Old Vic, Historic Royal Palaces, the New Museum of Bristol and Calvium. Entitled 'Unlocking markets for content delivery', the project will deliver prototype authoring and delivery services to smart phones.

To see a full list of our projects, click here.

Hellos and Goodbyes
2009 saw some founding residents graduate from the Studio to continue their success. Mobile Pie have developed into an award-winning mobile content studio specialising in games and entertainment; Thought Den have extended their impressive portfolio with pervasive media training sessions for the BBC and Simon Games produced social street game Drom with London’s Soho Theatre, before taking over their own studio space in the city. Among those that have joined the Studio in recent months are start-up company Calvium, artist Luke Jerram and PhD researcher Tine Bech.

To see a full list of our Studio residents, click here.

Visits, Travels and Guests
2009 was a year of exciting visits, trips and festivals; the Guardian Technology podcast was recorded at the studio and featured interviews with many residents; Jim Knight, the Minister for the South West visited us in the context of the Digital Britain report and legendary music producer Jools Holland supported Media Sandbox commission Visual Voice Pro. Our favourite 2009 destinations include Glastonbury Festival where Studio Resident Tarim decorated the BBC village screen with his Instant Graffiti; Birds Eye View film festival where we provided a taste of pervasive media and SXSW Interactive Festival.

Read the visits and festivals blog.

Digital Cultures Research Centre
Finally, late in 2009, the University of the West of England became an official partner of the Pervasive Media Studio. The Digital Cultures Research Centre (DCRC) led by Professor Jon Dovey, is now permanently based within the Studio to represent and promote the work of a diverse network of researchers from the Faculty of Creative Arts and the Bristol Institute of Technology.

Visit us at: www.pmstudio.co.uk 



Sandbox Surgeries

January 11, 2010

Posted by victoria in: Innovation | Add a comment

Are you a small producer eager to explore content, applications and experiences of the future? Do you have a brilliant idea that could tackle a problem, provide a service or offer a transformative experience? Do you need time, space and support to take a risk on an idea?

Media Sandbox is a unique commissioning scheme, that will this year support six ground breaking projects that dovetail mobile, wireless and sensory technologies with content and context, to create meaningful Pervasive Experiences.

The scheme offers:

Research support:
- £9,000 commission
- Opportunity to focus intensively on development of new idea

Development support:
- Peer community of potential collaborators for current and future projects
- Structured ‘innovation lab’ process featuring research blogs and regular catch up, showcase and feedback events
- A panel of leading industry advisers who will take a mentoring role in the development of ideas and potential routes to market

The scheme will open for applications later this year. In the meantime, we’re running a series of Sandbox Surgeries. These drop-in sessions are held at the Pervasive Media Studio, Bristol and offer the opportunity to discuss any aspect of the scheme, such as the application process, your idea or partnerships. Surgeries will be held every Thursday lunchtime between 1-2 pm, until 18th February 2010. Surgery details and dates will be posted on the Media Sandbox website (www.mediasandbox.co.uk). You can also email any questions or queries directly to me at victoria@watershed.co.uk

We’re seeking brilliant people interested in working collaboratively to produce inspired, sustainable, future-facing projects. If you have an idea, this could be the perfect opportunity to pursue it.

www.mediasandbox.co.uk