Performance artist Alyssa Ellis demonstrates hooking a plant to a lie detector

Researchers at the Pelling Laboratory of Augmented Biology show us new human ears growing on apple scaffolds

Biophony residents' record with a parabolic microphone under the guidance of soundscaper Chad Clifford of Wilderness Rhythms

Artist Nadya Eidelstein listens to a bark beetle in the bio acoustic lab at Carleton University

EAVESDROP

Online sensory studies for artists
10 Classes in summer 2023
Deadline to apply: May 26, 2023

Eavesdrop is an online course for creative people to learn about non-human sensory experiences and communication. The program will feature weekly video lectures by international research scientists on topics that focus on how non-human organisms express themselves. Each lecture will be complemented with a talk by an artist who makes work related to sensory perception and communication. Built into the 2 - 2.5 hours of daily programming are discussions, recommended assignments and show and tell. Participants will be invited to a short one-on-one studio visit with each of the other residents.

This program will offer opportunities to learn from scientists and to develop ideas with other artists. It's designed for artists who want to explore their empathy for living things and the limits of our own sensory perceptions through research and creation. Participants are not expected to make anything for the program, nor do you need any previous biology experience.

Ayatana residencies facilitate research that will enrich visual and conceptual artists' practice within a group of kindred creative people. Artists, writers, musicians, film makers and dancers are invited to apply. The jury will select seven international artists based on their portfolio rather than how they fit into any description of an artist.

Artist talk: We invite you to give a private artist talk to share your work with the group.

Botanical Sensory Perception and Plant Intelligence with the International Laboratory of Plant Neurobiology at the University of Florence

Mycorrhizal Relationships and Plant/ Fungi Signaling with Kew Gardens

Bioacoustics and Vibrational Insect Communication with the Yak Lab of Neuroethology, Carleton University

Cultural Evolution of bird song and interspecies communication with the Cognitive & Cultural Ecology Lab, Germany

What it's like to be a Bat: Echolocation and Night Vision with Bat Conservation International

Pheromones and Chemical Insect Communication with Ohio State University

Humpback Whale song with Sara Niksic of the Sea Mammal Research Unit, University of St Andrews

Sensory Studies in Contemporary Art

Bird Song and Deep Listening

Cost 
$600 USD
Residency places are limited to 7 artists.

Only applications that follow these guidelines will be considered.

Those who do not like to talk about art or wildlife, need not apply.

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