[Nettime-bold] New Art & Technology Group at MIT Media Lab

[Chris Csikszentmihalyi <csik@media.mit.edu>]

______________New Research Group at MIT Media Lab______________

I am pleased to announce the formation of Computing Culture, a MIT Media 
Lab research group dedicated to exploring art and technology.

Computing Culture is in a unique position:  First, it is situated within 
the Media Lab, an interdisciplinary research center exploring and 
developing new technologies since 1985.  The Media Lab is part of the 
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the premiere technical 
institutions in the world.  Computing Culture seeks to create new 
technologies for the full range of human experience, rather than the 
applications suggested by market forces, “productivity,” and the internal 
logic of technical production.  Some information about the group may be 
found at [http://compcult.media.mit.edu].

Our research will result in specific works of art, but will also help 
further an understanding of the relationships between art, technology, and 
cultural production.  Some of the strategies we practice include 
interventions in contemporary consumer electronics, creating special media 
events for public situations, and applying technical development to 
cultural agendas that wouldn't normally receive it.  Our central interest 
is in physically embodied (rather than screen-based) work.

The group’s research centers on studio practice, but includes strong 
components of critical media theory, science history, the sociology of 
scientific knowledge, and art history and theory.  Research projects are 
primarily determined and investigated by graduate students, with guidance 
by the group’s director, Professor Chris Csikszentmihályi.  Within yards of 
our workshop are other groups exploring nano-bio-tech, quantum computing, 
affective computing, interactive cinema, and many other directions:  There 
are few environments where artists can access such a wide range of 
scientific and technical research.

We are currently accepting applications to the graduate program in Media 
Arts and Sciences.  The MAS is a two-year master’s program, during which a 
student spends half their time on course work and the other half on their 
directed art research.  Tuition is fully funded, and students receive a 
significant stipend to live on.  The program and funding are open to 
students of any nationality.

Students may be trained in either art or science and/or engineering, but 
should show crossover.  For instance, an art student should be an 
accomplished programmer, have machining skills, or be able to design and 
fabricate electronics.  An engineering students should have done several 
art projects, worked with a professional artist, or shown their ability to 
author radical or unexpected technologies.  Students should be extremely 
self-motivated, and ready to take advantage of the unparalleled 
opportunities at the Lab and MIT.  More information on the MAS program may 
be found at [http://www.media.mit.edu/mas/#masters].
Application forms may be obtained from the MIT Graduate Admissions office 
[http://web.mit.edu/admissions/www/].

 >>>>>>>technical information on applying>>>>>>>>>
Applicants must indicate on the application form (question #2) the 
department of Media Arts and Sciences -- we are a separate program and not 
part of another department at MIT. "Area of research interest" should 
indicate Chris Csikszentmihályi (Computing Culture). Application or 
admissions questions may be directed to Media Arts & Sciences (e-mail: 
mas@media.mit.edu, tel: (1) (617) 253-5114).

Completed applications must be _received_ by January 8th. The principal 
components of an application are: academic transcript(s), the applicant's 
statement of objectives, a portfolio, and three letters of recommendation. 
GREs are not required. International applicants are required to submit an 
official copy of their TOEFL scores to MIT. The MIT institution code for 
TOEFL scores is 3514. The Media Lab does not have its own department 
number. Scores should be sent to MIT Graduate Admissions, department code 
99. The Program in Media, Arts & Sciences requires a minimum TOEFL score of 
600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based).

Computing Culture also requires the submission of a portfolio of relevant 
work.  We’ll accept 1 CD-rom (CD or DVD) AND/OR 8 pages max of A4 or letter 
size paper material AND/OR a URL.  If submitting slides, please send no 
more than one sheet (20 slides), _not_ in a tray.  CD ROM submissions may 
be MAC or PC format, but, due to the number of applicants, should be widely 
compatible and immediately ready to launch.  Submit your portfolio with 
your application by the application due date. Do not send portfolios 
directly to Chris Csikszentmihályi, but rather to the MAS Program. Return 
postage should be included in any of the following forms: U.S. postage 
stamps, U.S. money order, or personal check (U.S. only). This sum must be 
separate from the application fee.

 >>>>>>>end technical information>>>>>>>>>

Looking forward hearing from you!

Christopher P. Csikszentmihályi
Director, Computing Culture Group

Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
MIT Media Lab
csik@media.mit.edu
http://compcult.media.mit.edu

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