call: The Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology 17th Biennial Symposium
Deadline: 8 April 2022 /1 May 2022
Call for entries
The Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology 17th Biennial Symposium
CONTACT
November 10-12, 2022
November 11, 2022, 9:30am, Evans Hall, Cummings Arts Center
Featured Speakers:
Centre for Emotional Materiality
Proposal deadline for commissioned work: April 8, 2022
Proposal deadline for general submissions: May 1, 2022
The Ammerman Center at Connecticut College seeks submissions for its 2022 Biennial Symposium on Arts and Technology being held November 10-12, 2022 at Connecticut College. The aim of the Symposium, now in its 36th year, is to create an inclusive forum for multidisciplinary dialogue at the intersection of arts, technology, and contemporary culture. The Symposium brings artists and researchers from a wide range of fields together to engage, interact, and share ideas as they present new works, research, and performances in a variety of formats. In lieu of a standard keynote address and in keeping with our focus on Contact, affect, and collaboration, our featured speakers will be the members of the Centre for Emotional Materiality: Surabhi Saraf, Laura Hyunjhee Kim, Caroline Sinders, Marcus Brittain Fleming, and Mariah Hill. The Symposium will also feature several multi-disciplinary works commissioned by the Ammerman Center, panel discussions and paper presentations, workshops, artist talks, gallery exhibitions, music and sound concerts, installations, screenings, public interventions and live performances.
SYMPOSIUM THEME: CONTACT
In an era of uncertainty and constant shifts, CONTACT refers to both a desire for the definitive–the connections, the initiative–as well as a fear of the body and members of our own communities. The global pandemic has exposed even more the inequities in access to resources, systems of support, and the vulnerability of our institutions and bodies. In the contemporary vocabulary, “contact†is something to be avoided in physical interactions or something just out of reach in our remote relationships with others.
CONTACT encompasses touch, alignment, electricity, communication, collaboration, initiation, catalyzation; it can be momentary or sustained, smooth or frictive. It refers to the work done across fields and at events such as the Symposium. Contact contains the promise of new and continued engagement within communities, among disparate institutions and so-called disciplines.
We seek multi-disciplinary works to be commissioned by the Ammerman Center, as well as:
Papers
Panels
Workshops (including work in progress feedback sessions)
Music and Sound Performances
Artwork in all media for the symposium exhibition, including site specific interventions and performances.
Performing Arts: Dance, Theater, and Performance Art
Screen-Based Work: Video, Film, and Animation (for exhibition or evening screenings)
New this year:
Demo/Poster Tables (work in progress or completed)
Lightning Talks/Pecha Kucha (work in progress or completed)
There are also exciting opportunities to present and discuss works in progress. Some work will be considered by a guest curator as part of the Symposium exhibition, while some submissions may be recommended for alternative forms of presentation depending upon material and curatorial necessity, to be communicated and discussed between those who submit and the conference committee.
The 2022 Symposium follows our series of Summits in 2020 and 2021 about seeking equity, diversity, and collaboration in the field, and how the fields of arts and technology are shifting in the 21st century. In keeping with these aims and projects, scholars and artists from underrepresented communities from the northeast region are especially encouraged to apply, including independent artists, scholars, and adjuncts. Additionally, two key additions have been made:
The Symposium schedule will include more open and collaborative opportunities for conversation and collaboration; it will include more concentrated pecha-kucha-style presentation and demo sessions, alongside other open opportunities, while limiting time allotted for full paper and panel sessions.
Registration will be available on a sliding scale (see below). The Symposium will also offer modest artist fees to exhibiting and performing artists, striving to increase these based on available resources.
THEMATIC THREADS
While we are open to any number of interpretations of this year’s wide-ranging CONTACT theme, we encourage and invite participating artists, theoreticians and researchers to relate their work to this theme through the guiding threads listed below:
THEME 1 : Touch and Affect. Technologies of communication, a global pandemic, and contemporary socio-political rhetoric have significantly impacted our relationship with the haptic and the emotional connection therein; telepresence, activism, social media, prostheses, liveness, and P2P interaction.
THEME 2 : Community and collaboration. The interchange of ideas and labor; the space for amplified power and critical mass; real-time collaborative efforts, digital and analogue modes of communication.
THEME 3 : Contagion. Sites of instigation, ripple effects that empower or infect; online social movements and communities, technologies of accessibility, therapeutics, machine learning, AI, misinformation, biological and digital viruses.
COMMISSIONED WORKS AND RESIDENCY
Proposals for new, original multi-disciplinary works in any medium will be accepted for a “Commissioned” category; each of the 2-3 accepted commissions will be awarded $3000 and featured in the symposium. Preference will be given for proposals submitted by teams of two or more.
We encourage proposals that incorporate the symposium theme. Proposals must combine at least one area of creative expression with a major technology component: whether as subject matter, medium, tool, or environment.
The selected teams will be granted a weeklong residency, including the lead up to and participation in the symposium. Residencies involve open studio visits, rehearsals/setup and performance or presentation of the completed work, often accompanied by an artist talk. Commission guidelines are available to download here (PDF). Note that due to the duration of this short residency, successful proposals will be of work that is mostly complete (about 90-95 percent).
The proposed project must not have been previously published, performed or exhibited in its current form.
Awards will be granted at the discretion of the conference committee. Submissions not accepted for the commissioned category may also be considered for the general submissions category if the submitting team has indicated their interest in this option on the application form.
SUBMISSIONS
Categories of submissions include: Papers and Panels; Workshops; Music and Sound Performances; Exhibition and Installations; Screen-Based Art; Dance, Theater, and Performance; Paper presentations; Demos and Poster Displays; and Lightning Talks or Pecha Kucha.
All submissions must be completed online here via Google Form. If you cannot use a Google account, please email requisite material described below to cat@conncoll.edu with subject line “Symposium Submission.â€
All submissions must include the submitter’s personal information, CV,a basic title and description of the submission and any additional information and supporting materials as required by the submission category: see below for details.
All submissions are limited to 2 per person, with the exception of panel organizers.
Accepted File Types and formats:
Images: .jpg (not to exceed 1280×720), maximum 10 images, compressed in a ZIP file or edited into a pdf.
Documents: .pdf, .doc, .docx ; one page maximum, except in the case of extended abstracts for papers that are limited to two pages.
Maximum combined duration for time-based media is 5 minutes. We may only view or listen to the first 5 minutes of your piece; however, you may indicate a different 5-minute segment of your piece, if you feel that would be more representative of your work for our consideration.
Audio: .mp3 encoded at 320 kbps.
Video: share your video via a video sharing or cloud storage service with a minimum resolution of 1280×720. Please include the full link plus password, if password protected.
PANELS
Proposals for special sessions and panel discussions of 3-4 participants and a moderator are encouraged. To apply for such a session, a panel proposal must be submitted, alongside individual submissions for each of the speakers. These may be submitted by the speakers themselves or by the organizer of the panel on their behalf. Each individual submission must indicate that it is aiming to be part of a panel. Panels are expected to last for about an hour.
Required information: topic, CV, 1-2 page abstract, names of possible panelists/contributors.
PAPERS
This category includes scholarly work and reports on research, theory, or artwork, artist talks, and position papers raising original and provocative theoretical or practical discourses and questions. The default duration of all paper presentations and talks is 15 minutes.
Required information: CV and a two-page extended abstract or complete paper must be submitted by the due date. Upon acceptance, a revised 4-8 page paper must be submitted as a PDF in provided format for publication in the Symposium Proceedings. All rights will remain with the author. Paper authors will give oral presentations during the paper sessions.
WORKSHOPS: Technology, Project-based, or Work-in-progress sharing
Technology demonstrations and hands-on workshop submissions in all forms of media are welcome. For demonstrations or workshops we assume that the presenters will provide the necessary equipment and materials. The Ammerman Center will be able to provide classroom space and a limited selection of tools and hardware.
Technology workshops: These could include presentation of approaches to creative and experimental uses of technology or skill shares.
Project-based workshops: Opportunities for demonstrations of work and collaborative project development.
Work-in-Progress Sharing: Demonstrations can be part of specific projects and could be formatted to solicit feedback from the audience. Multiple presentations in a single session serve to connect practitioners and encourage engagement and collaboration at all stages of development.
Some submissions may be recommended for this type of presentation depending upon material and curatorial necessity, to be communicated and discussed between those who submit and the conference committee.
Required information for workshops: CV, an extended description of the workshop, including goals and duration (pdf); a technical rider (pdf) as needed to include: materials and tools are supplied by the presenter, complete technical needs from the Ammerman Center including workspace, seating, tools, software/hardware, lighting, power, and all other requirements.
DEMO / POSTER TABLES
We invite display tables of creative and/or research praxis as part of a session with a number of other presenters. Presenters will be able to engage with questions and feedback in a designated session, and engagement throughout the Symposium is also possible. This is a useful opportunity to develop new work, work in progress, or as a conclusion/demonstration of a past work. It is expected that materials and tools are supplied by the presenter. Some submissions may be recommended for this type of presentation depending upon material and curatorial necessity, to be communicated and discussed between those who submit and the conference committee.
Required information for demo/poster tables: CV, a one-page description/abstract of the work and relevant digital materials if needed.
LIGHTNING TALKS / PECHA KUCHA
This set of brief (5-8 minute) presentations is for feedback and discussion of work. All types of presentations are welcome. This is a useful opportunity to develop new work, work in progress, or as a conclusion/demonstration of a past work.
Some submissions may be recommended for this type of presentation depending upon material and curatorial necessity, to be communicated and discussed between those who submit and the conference committee.
Required information for lightning talks/pecha kucha: CV, a one-page description/abstract of the work and relevant digital materials if needed.
MUSIC AND SOUND PERFORMANCES
Music and sound submissions could take many forms including: work for live instruments with electronic sounds and/or digital media, voice, interactive performances, live laptop improvisations, customized or hand-made electronics, or electronic sounds alone (fixed media). All works representative of any of the rich array of approaches, styles, and media possible within electroacoustic musics are welcome.
Works under 12 minutes will receive preference. Musicians, dancers, and actors may be available for live performance pieces.
Spaces will be available for performances and/or presentations of submitted works, including a concert hall/auditorium on the Connecticut College campus, as well as a smaller, black box/alternative venue. In addition, we will consider proposals for site-specific or other unconventionally sited performance work.
Required information: CV, a one-page description/abstract, complete technical, equipment and performance needs, what the artist will provide (i.e. laptop with customized software, hand-made electronics), indication of who will be performing (artist, additional musician/performer, fixed media playback), and accompanying scores/recordings as appropriate.
ARTWORK FOR EXHIBITION
Potential media includes a full range from drawings and objects to responsive environments, bio-art, kinetics, audio, video, AR/VR and hybrid installations, as well as socio-eco design including experimental architecture and environmental interventions. Works that challenge disciplinary boundaries are specifically encouraged. A series of smaller works may be considered as one submission.
Selected works will be presented in a group exhibition at the Cummings Arts Center Galleries at Connecticut College or another local venue. In addition, we will consider proposals for site-specific or other unconventionally sited performance work. Complex projects may be presented in a paper and/or panel presentation, with a smaller accompanying work in the exhibition. Installation of selected work is the artist’s responsibility, and must be completed on-site between November 10-12, or earlier in the case of special installations. The Ammerman Center will provide a support technician to assist with issues as available.
Required information: CV, a one-page description/abstract of the work, dimensions and/or duration, technical rider if needed, and relevant digital materials.
PERFORMING ARTS: DANCE, THEATER, AND PERFORMANCE ART
Dance compositions, theater works, and performance art pieces that incorporate technologies in meaningful ways are being solicited for performances, live demonstrations, or digitally recorded presentations.
Also of interest are proposals for workshops, demonstrations of software for dance or theater notation, choreographic analysis, interactive studies and/or multimedia studies of performance in dance and theater–see the appropriate submission categories for each (i.e Papers, Workshops and Demos, etc). Acceptance of performances will depend on financial considerations as well as technical and space needs.
Works under 15 minutes will receive preference.
Two spaces will be available for performances and/or presentations of submitted works: a concert hall on the Connecticut College campus, as well as a smaller, black box / alternative venue. In addition, we will consider proposals for site-specific or other unconventionally sited performance work.
Required information: CV, a one-page description/abstract, technical rider, complete technical, performance and spatial needs, plus digital media that show the work under consideration.
SCREEN BASED WORK: VIDEO, FILM, AND ANIMATION
Submissions of short single-channel, screen-based video or digital film are being solicited. Submissions may span a range of formats, from experimental to documentary, video-essay, narrative short, or other emerging forms intended for onscreen viewing. (For other types of moving-image presentation such as live cinema or installation see previous categories).
Selected work may be screened in one or more of the following venues: As part of an evening event at the auditorium; as part of the exhibition at the symposium.
Required information: CV, a one-page synopsis, duration, preferred screening format, credits and link (or uploaded file) to view the submission online.
REGISTRATION
Paid registration for participants is required on a sliding scale.
Annual Income Range Registration Fee
More than $150,000 $300.00
$120,001 – 150,000 $255.00
$90,001 – 120,000 $225.00
$70,001 – 90,000 $190.00
$50,001 – 70,000 $150.00
$30,001 – 50,000 $115.00
Under $30,000 Pay what you can
Other Registration Options
One-day registration for local participants Pay what you can
Dinner, Friday evening $40.00
AMMERMAN INDEPENDENT SCHOLAR / ARTIST FUNDING
The Ammerman Center seeks to support artists/scholars who demonstrate excellence in their work and a commitment to their careers and artistic communities. There is limited funding for early career, graduate student, adjunct, and independent scholars and artists for the Friday-night dinner, travel, and accommodations for the Symposium. After completing the submission form, applicants need to submit a statement of engagement and budget to cat@conncoll.edu with the subject line “Independent Scholar/Artist Funding.†All questions regarding this program may be directed to the same address.
IMPORTANT DATES
April 8: Commission Submission Deadline
May 1: General Submission Deadline
May 2: Commission Acceptance Notification
June 1: General Acceptance Notification
October 10: Final Paper and Other Texts (pdf) Submission Deadline
November 7: Start of Residencies for Commissioned Works
November 7-10: Installation Period for Group Exhibition
November 10, 11, and 12, 2022: Symposium at Connecticut College
Symposium 2022 Site
Symposium 2022 Submission Form
Symposium 2022 Commission Guidelines
THE 2022 SYMPOSIUM IS SUPPORTED BY the Connecticut College community including the Arts departments, OnStage, The Office of the President, and The New Media Caucus, an international non-profit association formed to promote the development and understanding of new media art, an official affiliate of the College Art Association.
Ammerman Center for Arts and Technology
Connecticut College
270 Mohegan Avenue – BOX 5233
New London, CT 06320 US
ph: 860-439-2001
https://cat.conncoll.edu
