New York's Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts has announced its second class of Collider Fellows, a program dedicated to exploring the integration of emerging technologies such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive sound systems into live performance and the performing arts.
The new cohort comprises six multidisciplinary artists selected through a nomination-based process. This initiative aims to foster new opportunities within the arts sector amidst ongoing discussions regarding technology's broader impact on cultural fields.
Jordana Leigh, Lincoln Center's Vice President of Programming, stated that the selected fellows are "thoughtful people who are not just thinking about [the work] itself, but how it fits into a larger conversation in arts and technology." Leigh expressed optimism regarding technology's potential benefits for the arts, viewing tools like AI as an "another tool in their toolkit" for artists, akin to traditional creative implements. She also suggested that for some artists, "technology is catching up to their vision, versus their vision catching up to this technology."
As an illustration of this potential, Leigh referenced a recent Lincoln Center commission, "Dream Machine" by Nona Hendryx. This project utilized a combination of AI, VR, and augmented reality to create immersive Afrofuturist environments, particularly for BIPOC visitors. According to Leigh, the work demonstrates how art can enable "people who do not see themselves in technology to start seeing themselves in it."
Over the next nine months, the new Collider Fellows will receive dedicated studio space at Lincoln Center and Onassis ONX, a financial stipend, and support from Lincoln Center staff. The fellowship is designed to be non-transactional, meaning artists are not required to complete a final project or commission. Leigh noted that approaches ranging from developing multiple prototypes to engaging in extensive research are considered acceptable uses of the fellowship period.
Leigh indicated that many projects from the inaugural class of Collider Fellows are "still germinating," with some potentially being showcased at Lincoln Center. While the institution maintains a focus on location-based experiences, particularly those involving VR, AR, and extended reality, the Collider Fellows are also expected to contribute to Lincoln Center's exploration of new methods for global audience engagement. The new fellows include Cinthia Chen, Sam Rolfes, James Allister Sprang, Stephanie Dinkins, Kevin Peter He, and Dr. Rashaad Newsome, each working across various mediums and technological applications to advance their artistic visions.
