Are you interested in engaging creatively with the most provocative biotechnology of our times…and with the same group of scientists who pioneered it?
Stochastic Labs and the Innovative Genomics Institute at UC Berkeley invite visual artists, animators, bio designers, sci-fi writers, sound and installation artists, architects, poets, game designers, and other creative practitioners (with or without a background in science) to apply for a special 2019 spring residency.
CRISPR (un) commons: creative considerations and genetic innovation
The popular dialogue around CRISPR to date has focused largely on its exceptional potential to cure challenging diseases such as HIV and Malaria or doomsday scenarios of epic proportions. Meanwhile, the scientists developing this radical and compelling technology face a much more nuanced set of investigative and social concerns. From March 18-May 18, 2019 a select group of artists and creative practitioners will be given an unprecedented opportunity to work alongside these scientists as they explore the groundbreaking topics that will shape the future of this critical field.
Project proposals may include access to lab facilities and materials for the creation of Cas9 proteins, editing DNA, transcribing RNA from DNA, engineering bacteria, designing DNA sequences, etc.
Participants will attend a weekly seminar in five program areas (biomedicine, technology, agriculture, microbiology, and society) featuring top international scientists, and a monthly meeting with cross-disciplinary scholars interested in the ethics surrounding CRISPR applications and the regulation of this pioneering technology.
Upon PI approval, participants will have a chance to sit in on lab meetings where researchers discuss unpublished scientific discoveries.
Residencies include a private apartment at the Stochastic Labs mansion, co-working and/or dedicated work space, shop access (laser cutter, 3D printer etc), a $1k monthly stipend, and a budget for materials. Residents become part of Stochastic’s creative community, participating in weekly dinners and invitation events. Residents may apply as individuals or as teams. While applicants may be at any stage in their career, the selection is highly competitive.
Congratulations to Andy Cavatorta, Alison Irvine, Kate Nichols, Sheng-Ying Pao, and Dorothy Santos. More information on the artists and their projects is available here.