MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts Residency

The MSUFCU Arts Power Up Residency, initiated by Michigan State University, invites artists to blend art and science, producing innovative works amidst the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams’ research-rich environment, spotlighting nuclear astrophysics. This program fosters the creation of interactive artworks that investigate the societal implications of FRIB’s rare isotope research. The program will generate dialogues between scientific and artistic communities. The resultant works will be showcased at the MSU Museum, melding and celebrating diverse intellectual landscapes.

Description of the call

For the first edition of this call, we invite visual artists from any background or medium to apply for this residency program during which they will immerse themselves in the FRIB laboratory’s environment, and interact with its scientists, students, and staff, as well as engage with the dynamic and vibrant arts communities at CoLab and STEAMpower. The residency program fosters a culture of experimentation, innovation, and pushing the boundaries of traditional artistic practices, with a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary exchange and exploration. 

The theme for this first call is nuclear astrophysics, one of the major research directions at FRIB, which aims to understand how the properties of atomic nuclei shape the nature of stars, supernova explosions, and the chemical elements that make up the universe and ultimately enable the formation of planets and life. Artists with a keen interest in science, technology, interdisciplinary practices, experimentation, innovation, and engaging with diverse communities are encouraged to apply. This call is especially reaching for artistic proposals of interactive visual artworks that explore the broader societal or philosophical context of FRIB’s nuclear astrophysics research. 

The selected artist-in-residence will spend at least three, and up to four months on the beautiful campus of Michigan State University, located in East Lansing, Michigan. The artist-in-residence will be provided with studio space, office space at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams, travel support to/from East Lansing, Michigan, and a stipend to cover living expenses during the residency period.  

Furthermore, the selected artist will have the opportunity to showcase their works at Michigan State University Museum, an innovative and experimental collaboratory that exists to catalyze creativity, and actively participate in engaging public programming opportunities. This residency presents a platform for artists to not only create and exhibit their art, but also to actively engage with the academic and artistic community, forging meaningful connections and expanding their creative horizons. 

Artists will also be part of the STEAMpower Project Fellows program, a year-long collaboration of artists, faculty, and graduate student researchers focused on the arts/science nexus. The STEAMpower 2023-24 faculty and grad student fellows are invited to reflect on sustainability. The selected artist from this call will participate in group meetings and conversations and will have the opportunity to use dedicated space associated with the program.
 

3. Eligibility  

The MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts Residency Program at the FRIB Particle Accelerator Call for Applications 2023 is open to:

• Visual artists 18 years and older at any stage of their career 
• Artists working in any visual art medium, including but not limited to painting, sculpture, photography, printmaking, digital media, mixed media, and new media.

4. Conditions of the residency 

The program offers the selected artist the following financial support and conditions:

• Travel expenses to/from their current location to East Lansing, Michigan 
• Accommodation within a fixed budget for up to 4 months in East Lansing, Michigan
• Total stipend of $20,000 USD (before taxes). 
• Production costs of up to $15,000 for the new work of art
• Facilitate interactions with other artists in residence at MSU, and in networking with other artists in Michigan
• Additional support for child care might be available within a fixed budget of $1,000 USD per month.
   

The selected artist must commit to:

• Conduct their residency at MSU campus for at least 3 and up to 4 months
• Completing the artwork resulting from the residency within a calendar year
• Serve as judge in the call for applications next year. 

5. Application Requirements

a) A completed application form with personal information, artist statement, and proposed collaborative project description to carry out during the residency. The project description should include the following elements:

• Articulate the connection between the proposed artwork and the research carried out at FRIB. The scope should include a research period at MSU, and a development phase after the residency to define and produce a new artwork with support of MSU museum and FRIB personnel.
• Highlight the interdisciplinary nature of your project and how it aligns with the goals of the residency program.
• Propose ways in which the artist can engage the MSU student community during the residency, for example through lectures or a workshop.

b) A CV or resume outlining your artistic background, education, and experience. 

c) A portfolio or samples of your previous work showcasing your visual art practice and interdisciplinary interests. 

d) Please submit your application by October 20th at 11:59 PM Eastern, 2023. Incomplete or late applications will not be considered. 

Website link: MSU Museum Submission Manager – MSUFCU Arts Power Up Arts Residency Program at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (submittable.com)