Prospective Applicant Info

Thanks for your interest in the Audium sound residency! The application is now closed.

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Program Overview

The residency is a 6-month commitment, from October 22 2024- April 5, 2025. The first three months is the creation period: artists are trained to use Audium’s spatial sound system, compose fully immersive sound compositions, and rehearse their works. After, there is a two-month performance period, during which participants perform their sound compositions three nights per week. Artists receive a stipend of $500 for the orientation (4 days), $1000 per month during the creation period (3 months), and $150 per show during the performance period (totaling 24 planned performances). There is a one month holiday break in December. Time commitment is about 10 hours per week, except during the orientation, when more time is required. 

The first 2 weeks of the program is spent familiarizing the artists with Audium’s tools, technology, and concept of performed sound movement. Audium’s team, including spatial sound pioneer Stan Shaff, advise artists on how live spatialization from speaker to speaker can alter and shape their compositions. Residency artists learn how to use the instrument that is Audium’s speaker space. The subsequent six weeks, artists gain fluency in sound control as they begin to design their own compositions for the space. Artists schedule timeslots to compose on-site, and will participate in weekly check-in meetings and 2-3 community workshops to engage the public with their work. The last 4 weeks of the composition period is dedicated to designing sound and visuals for audience entry and 

The first 2 weeks of the program is spent familiarizing the artists with Audium’s tools, technology, and concept of performed sound movement. Audium’s team, including spatial sound pioneer Stan Shaff, advise artists on how live spatialization from speaker to speaker can alter and shape their compositions. Residency artists learn how to use the instrument that is Audium’s speaker space. The subsequent six weeks, artists gain fluency in sound control as they begin to design their own compositions for the space. Artists schedule timeslots to compose on-site, and will participate in weekly check-in meetings and 2-3 community workshops to engage the public with their work. The last 4 weeks of the composition period is dedicated to designing sound and visuals for audience entry and exit. Instruction is provided on how participants can take the themes of their compositions and expand them to the rest of the building. Projections, sounds, and lighting are all programmed specifically for a fully immersive experience. 

During the performance period, participants present their compositions to the public in a concert series. Artist residents perform the sound movement of their works live each night. After each performance, the artists engage with the audience in an artist talkback session. Through these open discussions, participants discover how other listeners experience the totality of their work. During the performance period, artists are encouraged to continue rehearsing their spatial performances and tweaking their compositions, as experience informs their perspective.

At the end of Audium’s spatial sound residency program, resident artists have gained fluency in the art of live sound movement. They have created site-specific immersive sound works, and will have shared these works with the public for two months. 

Questions? Contact residency@audium.org

Full Schedule (tentative) 

June 17 – July 19, 2024  Submission window

Week of Sept 9, 2024 Notification of Artists

Oct 22, 2024 Residency start date

Oct 22 – Oct 31, 2024 Orientation, introduction to technology, sound movement control training, learn compositional workflow
(to take place during the day on Oct 22, 23, 28 & 29)

Nov 4 – Dec 21, 2024 Content creation: sound compositions, continued practice of sound movement

Dec 22, 2024 – Jan 12, 2025 Break for holiday season

Jan 13 – Feb 12, 2025 Content creation: lobby & labyrinth sound and visuals, performance rehearsals

Feb 13 – April 5, 2025 Performance period: 3 performance nights per week (Thursday, Friday & Saturday evenings), facilities open for continued editing and rehearsals

Feb 13, 2025 Opening night event

April 5, 2025 Closing night 

Selection Criteria

1. Artists will be chosen to reflect the diverse perspectives of our community. Women and artists of color are encouraged to apply.
2. Sample sound selections have variety, storytelling, nuance, intentionality, contrast
3. Attention to all elements of the space (lighting, projection and sound in lobby area) to create a fully immersive experience.
4.  Understanding of the elements of music composition (melody, harmony, rhythm)
5. Ability to effectively communicate with staff, fellow artists & audience members.
6. Experience in the creation of spatial audio; understanding of Audium’s philosophy of live sound movement performance. Adaptability to Audium’s multi-channel environment and flexibility with new technology/ideas.
7. Creativity, curiosity, and openness to learning new techniques in sound manipulation.

Residency spots are limited, but we are also actively seeking future collaborators. All applying artists will be considered for future programming.