Dama III Workshop

C.T.D.N / Dama / Nordplus / Dama III Workshop – Spatial Media Workshop, 5 ECTS credits

Department of Media, Faculty of Art and Design University of Lapland organizes annually for its students a Spatial Media Workshop (5 ECTS). The department wishes to share this course with the dance, music and media students of the Dama-network institutions as an intensive program focusing on the spatial media (sensor) technologies, music and movement. The course contains an short preparation task, a one-week intensive part in Rovaniemi, Lapland, during which a final work is completed in a group.

Space and spatial computing has been an important topic in the field of media art for a long time. On the other hand, dance discipline has been very interested in adapting technology and interactivity to its own field. In the context of the CTDN / Dama network students form these two disciplines have been able to work together and realize cross-disciplinary performances and installations. This course is part of the third generation of Dama activities.

Recognition
Students should confirm that the course can be accepted into their studies at their home university.

Leading tutors
Tomi Knuutila, Lecturer in Digital Media, University of Lapland and Áki Asgeirsson, teacher of Electronic Music and New Media, Iceland Academy of the Arts.

Goal
Students get acquainted with the technical possibilities of connecting different media in real-time. Special emphasis will be on the interaction between movement, music and graphics. Students learn to use experimental yet simple-to-use sensor technology for artistic purposes. In addition students learn to work in a multidisciplinary and international team. The students work together in groups, creating an installation, performance or interactive experience as the final work.

Content and methods
Students will experiment with sensor technologies in controlling visual, spatial and musical elements. Various computer interfaces are introduced such as Phidgets sensors, the DIEM Digital Dance system, video camera tracking and hacked keyboards and mice. Software such as PureData and Processing are introduced. Relationships of media, movement and space are discussed. Small exercises and theory lessions guide the creation of the final work.

Assessment
Make a short presentation (5-10 minutes) about an artist, performance or art work which you find inspirational. Presentations are shown on Monday 3 November.

Grading: 1-5 / fail

Application procedure:

Application
CV and / or (online) digital portfolio + motivation letter max. 1 A4

Selection criteria:
Background knowledge in dance and / or media
Interest in cross-disciplinary work
Ability to work in a collaborative and international group

Prerequisite
Dance students: Some skills in new media tools and technologies are beneficial. Media & music students: Interest in dance, movement and spatiality are beneficial

Schedule
7.10.2008 application deadline
10.10.2008 information about the selection
10.10.2008 Grant application form forwareded by email to Nordplus eligible participants
17.10.2008 Grants forms returned to Virpi Nurmela (after which they can be paid out)
1-2.11.2008 Arrival to Rovaniemi, accommodation etc.
3-8.11.2008 The course itself
8.11.2008 Final performances/ installations / presentations (whatever they will be)
8-9.11.2008 Departure from Rovaniemi

Accommodation
Some of the students are hosted by University of Lapland students in Rovaniemi. Some stay in student flats with four double rooms and shared kitchen, shower and toilet (about 1,5 km from the university).

Please bring with you
Bed linen or a sleeping bag & towel & personal toiletries
If possible, a laptop computer and audiovisual equipment (digital camera, video camera, sound recording equipment, sensors, etc.)
Good ideas
Good moves
Ability to work and live in an international group

Costs
The students will get a mobility stipend, amount depends on which country the student is coming from. The travel and accommodation are then covered by the students themselves with the money. Participants have to be prepared to pay for meals or cook on their own.

More information
Workshop coordinator and lecturer tomi.knuutila@ulapland.fi
General info about accommodation, grants, travel etc. virpi.nurmela@ulapland.fi

Links
University of Lapland
Iceland Academy of the Arts
Rovaniemi
Accommodation (in FInnish)
Accommodation on a map