Open call: Research residency for a haptic floor (closed)

The Society for Arts and Technology [SAT] is launching an open call aimed at artists, researchers and creators for an exploratory research residency utilizing a haptic floor prototype.

Developed by the SAT, this haptic floor device consists of a mesh of triangular tiles whose vertices are mobile. The tiles can vibrate, shake, move and react to sounds. The haptic floor makes it possible to create immersive and interactive experiences in places of varying dimensions, opening up new perspectives in the field of entertainment (video games, amusement parks), culture (art installations, museums, sciences…) and industry (advanced simulations, architecture).

The objective of the residency is to stimulate research-creation, the targeted exploration of creative techniques for the haptic floor and the innovative or experimental adaptation of existing or personalized tools with the device.

Q&A Session: Friday, February 11

Join us for the information session on Friday, February 11 from 1 to 2 p.m. with the SAT team.

→ Connect here

Who is this call for?

The residency is aimed at people with a strong motivation for experimentation, research and art who are interested in an interdisciplinary approach. It is open to anyone in the following areas of expertise: science applied to the arts, digital art, performing arts, game design, spatialized audio, scenography, 3D modeling, robotics, artificial intelligence…

People wishing to start projects exploring the possibilities of the haptic floor in the fields of performance, installation, sound art, visual art or any combination of these fields are encouraged to submit a proposal.

What is expected from applicants

• A project proposal that offers a new perspective on the potential uses of the haptic floor. Approaches coupling audio/visual/gestural content with haptic content or exploring haptic narration for immersive environments will be favored;
• the ability to work independently;
• the enthusiasm to exchange knowledge and ideas with the SAT team;
• a documentation plan for the residency project. This will depend on the project and could include a weblog, videolog, publication in a conference or journal, or any other means of preserving and publicizing the results of the project, as well as the role of the SAT in its development;
• if applicable or possible, a public presentation (technical demonstration, discussion, etc.) presenting the work done during the residency;
• willingness and ability to work at the SAT for the duration of the residency.

What the SAT offers

• A residency at the SAT lasting 1 to 2 weeks with the haptic floor prototype;
• remuneration in the form of a residence grant;
• a desk for working in a shared office environment;
• access to SAT equipment and facilities;
• support for video documentation of the work of the residency, with the possibility of publications on the SAT networks;
• our support in the event of a request for additional financing;
• exchanges with competent and experienced staff members in various fields;
• free access to Satosphere events;
• opportunities to network or discuss with members of Montreal’s artistic or technological community.

What the SAT cannot offer:

• The residency is not intended to result in production and does not guarantee subsequent production or programming in SAT events;
• We cannot provide accommodation;
• We cannot provide full-time support. We expect applications from people who are sufficiently autonomous to be able to carry out their work. However, our staff is generally willing to help where possible..
• It is not always possible to accommodate more than one person, but it depends on the nature of the project and of the collaboration.

Calendar and stages

• Jan 17 2022: opening of the call
• 3 Feb 2022 from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.: information session, discussions and Q&A
• 14 Feb. 2022: closing of the call
• 21 Feb. 2022: announcement of the selected projects
• From March 21, 2022 to Sept. 3, 2022: period during which the residency must take place

Selection criteria

The selection committee will evaluate the applications according to the following criteria:

• The adequacy of the proposal with the research interests related to the haptic floor;
• The originality of the artistic concept(s) presented;
• The feasibility of the residency;
• The selection committee will pay particular attention to diversity among the candidates and invites women, members of visible and ethnic minorities, aboriginal people and people with disabilities to apply.

Selection committee

• Francis Lecavalier (Co-Director of Research Promotion)
• Valentin Laurent (Senior Front-End Developer, Research Valorization)
• Nicolas Bouillot (co-director Metalab, research center)
• If necessary, certain members of the SAT will be consulted as to the feasibility of residencies.

About the Society for Arts and Technology [SAT]

Founded in 1996, the Society for Arts and Technology [SAT] is a non-profit organization dedicated to the development and support of digital culture, which combines within its walls the activities of a creation, research, and training center. The SAT is internationally recognized for its active and pioneering role in the development of immersive technologies, group interactivity and mixed realities as well as the creative use of high speed networks.

About the valorisation of research at the SAT

The valorisation of research mobilizes open source technologies developed by the SAT’s research center, to develop projects with a socio-economic and artistic scope in collaboration with various partners. At the crossroads of applied research and pre-production, the department emphasizes the development of open source software with a living lab methodology and a user-centric approach. For more info: [email protected]