Create Cutting Edge Art Using High Tech Equipment: Breadboard & muraLab Host Open Call for Artists

Calling all artists! A unique opportunity from the folks at Breadboard and muraLab gives local artists are chance to explore the intersection between technology, science, and mural arts — and how it all relates to Philly.

Up to four individual artists, or four two-person teams, will receive a five-month artist residency at Breadboard’s NextFab Studio from November through March, using the time to create cutting-edge public art projects using high-tech equipment and ideas.

Breadboard, which hails from the University City Science Center, explores “creative uses of technology,” along with scientific concepts, contemporary art and design to fabricate amazing new ideas (they’re the ones working on a city-wide augmented reality project to place 30 virtual sculptures around town).

They’ve partnered with NextFab Studios, a membership-based high text workspace and prototyping center, where artists get a chance to use equipment like 3-D printing technology, CAD-controlled lasers, a vinyl print-cut system, a computer controlled router, plasma cutters and milling machines. The studios also have fully-staffed workshop spaces for hackers, designers, mad scientists and the like; think of it like IndyHall but with blowtorches.

What makes this call for artists really special? A partnership with muraLab, a branch of the Philadelphia Mural Arts Program, and a dedication to those with a strong Philadelphia connection.

The call is open to established and budding artists, along with “interdisciplinary teams” of two people (say, an engineer and an artist), with preference given to Philly natives or those with a strong city connection.

Selected artists will receive at $2,000 stipend for supplies and other expenses, plus each team will receive $500 credit for workshops and machine-time fees, plus staff consultations during the course of the project. Completed works will be displayed in a spring 2012 exhibition at Esther Klein Gallery, and be considered for development into full-scale murals or public displays around the city in 2012.

Those high-tech, flashy technologies will be incorporated into full-scale community murals public pieces, highlighting the use of non-traditional mural materials, like user-generated content, video, and interactive artwork. Imagine what the Love Letter train tour could look like now?

To find out more, visit Muralarts.org/muraLAB for more details on how to submit a proposal.