AIR for European Resilience, a project of the S+T+ARTS Regional Centres initiative, is an initiative led by the Media Solution Center BW that proposes, through the creation of a consortium of 8 partners from 5 different European countries, the creation of 4 S+T+ARTS Regional Centres in Germany, Spain, Italy and Slovenia. The novelty lies in making available, for the first time, the technology and knowledge of two of the most important supercomputing centres in Europe. These four regional centres will be established as hubs with not only local but also international dimension, bringing together artists, industry, citizens and policy stakeholders, among others. Through 10 residencies, collaborative experiments, and artistic exploration, the initiative aims to unlock the transformative potential of the cultural sector, foster critical thinking, and offer fresh perspectives on the future of our society in the face of technological advancements and environmental changes.
The AIR concept
Air extends beyond the invisible substance we breathe. It encompasses both visible and invisible elements, complementing our senses and connecting us to our surroundings. It acts as a warning system, heightening our perception of danger and evoking deep emotions through scent. Air allows sound to exist and has a tactile connection with our bodies, in particular our hair and skin.
Air has played a vital role in verbal communication, the development of language and logical thinking, laying the foundations for scientific and technological progress. This dynamic has allowed humans to translate intricate processes into symbolic representations, making the unseen visible. Through the integration of science, technology, and art, we aim to create challenges that bridge these realms of knowledge, fostering a deeper understanding of the diverse realities and concepts intertwined with the air.
We invite creative and artists to participate in the S+T+ARTS AIR Residencies, which deepen the multifaceted nature of AIR and its profound significance in our lives.
AIR Residencies: Open Call
The project makes available a residencies programme focused on two main themes: Resilient interspecies urban ecosystems and Human AI Ecosystems, presenting a unique opportunity for artists to collaborate at the intersection of art, science, and technology. AIR will support and host 10 artists through the residencies between December 2023 and October 2024, distributing a total amount of 400,000 eur.
For artists interested in joining AIR as a resident artist, the project consortium offers access to the technologies and know-how of two of Europe’s leading supercomputing centers (HLRS in Stuttgart and BSC in Barcelona), SONY Computer Science Laboratories in Rome, HEKA lab & KUBER in Koper, Slovenia, and the artistic expert organizations Fundación ÉPICA La Fura dels Baus from Badalona, Media Solutions Center (MSC) from Stuttgart, In4Art from Rotterdam and RCR Architects from Barcelona.
The S+T+ARTS AIR Residencies aim to have a lasting impact on the artistic community, as well as the broader public. Artists will be encouraged to actively participate in workshops, exhibitions, and public events, sharing their creative processes and engaging with diverse audiences.
AIR Festival
The AIR Festival was a groundbreaking event that showcased the visionary work of 10 international artists exploring two key themes: resilient interspecies urban ecosystems and human-AI interactions. It offered innovative and artistic perspectives on shaping sustainable futures.
The Festival was organized under the S+T+ARTS AIR project, which inspires new ways of thinking and proposes innovative solutions exploring the concept of air. Artists, in collaboration with scientists and technologists, are pushing the boundaries of creativity, art, science, and technology to address some of today’s most pressing environmental and societal challenges. By attending the AIR Festival, visitors had the opportunity to witness these groundbreaking projects firsthand, engage with thought leaders, and be part of a transformative conversation that shapes our collective future.
The AIR Festival took place from October 26th to 27th 2024, in Badalona (Barcelona).
AIR Residencies: The artists
Antoine Bertin
Uncharted Limbo Collective
Filippo Nassetti
Filippo Gregoretti
Jonathan Chaim Reus
Maria Arnal Dimas
Michail Rybakov
Natan Sinigaglia
Richard Vijgen
Hiền Hoang