New Art & Technology Group at MIT Media Lab

[anna balint]

From: Chris Csikszentmihalyi <csik at media.mit.edu>

______________New Research Group at MIT Media Lab______________ 

I am pleased to announce the formation of Computing Culture, a MIT Media
Lab research group dedicated to exploring art and technology. Computing 
Culture is in a unique position:  First, it is situated within
the Media Lab, an interdisciplinary research center exploring and
developing new technologies since 1985.  The Media Lab is part of the
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, one of the premiere technical
institutions in the world.  Computing Culture seeks to create new
technologies for the full range of human experience, rather than the
applications suggested by market forces, productivity, and the internal
logic of technical production.  Some information about the group may be
found at [http://compcult.media.mit.edu]. Our research will result in specific 
works of art, but will also help further an understanding of the relationships 
between art, technology, and cultural production.  Some of the strategies 
we practice include interventions in contemporary consumer electronics, 
creating special media events for public situations, and applying technical 
development to cultural agendas that wouldn't normally receive it.  Our 
central interest is in physically embodied (rather than screen-based) work. 
The group’s research centers on studio practice, but includes strong
components of critical media theory, science history, the sociology of
scientific knowledge, and art history and theory.  Research projects are
primarily determined and investigated by graduate students, with guidance
by the group’s director, Professor Chris Csikszentmihályi.  Within yards of
our workshop are other groups exploring nano-bio-tech, quantum computing,
affective computing, interactive cinema, and many other directions:  There
are few environments where artists can access such a wide range of
scientific and technical research. We are currently accepting applications 
to the graduate program in Media Arts and Sciences.  The MAS is a 
two-year master’s program, during which a student spends half their time 
on course work and the other half on their directed art research.  
Tuition is fully funded, and students receive a significant stipend to live on.  
The program and funding are open to students of any nationality. 
Students may be trained in either art or science and/or engineering, but
should show crossover.  For instance, an art student should be an
accomplished programmer, have machining skills, or be able to design and
fabricate electronics.  An engineering students should have done several
art projects, worked with a professional artist, or shown their ability to
author radical or unexpected technologies.  Students should be extremely
self-motivated, and ready to take advantage of the unparalleled
opportunities at the Lab and MIT.  More information on the MAS program may
be found at [http://www.media.mit.edu/mas/#masters].
Application forms may be obtained from the MIT Graduate Admissions office
[http://web.mit.edu/admissions/www/].  
>>>>>>>technical information on applying>>>>>>>>>
Applicants must indicate on the application form (question #2) the
department of Media Arts and Sciences -- we are a separate program and not
part of another department at MIT. "Area of research interest" should
indicate Chris Csikszentmihályi (Computing Culture). Application or
admissions questions may be directed to Media Arts & Sciences (e-mail:
mas at media.mit.edu, tel: (1) (617) 253-5114). Completed applications must 
be _received_ by January 8th. The principal components of an application 
are: academic transcript(s), the applicant's statement of objectives, a portfolio, 
and three letters of recommendation.
GREs are not required. International applicants are required to submit an
official copy of their TOEFL scores to MIT. The MIT institution code for
TOEFL scores is 3514. The Media Lab does not have its own department
number. Scores should be sent to MIT Graduate Admissions, department code
99. The Program in Media, Arts & Sciences requires a minimum TOEFL score of
600 (paper-based) or 250 (computer-based). Computing Culture also requires the 
submission of a portfolio of relevant work.  We’ll accept 1 CD-rom (CD or DVD) 
AND/OR 8 pages max of A4 or letter size paper material AND/OR a URL. 
If submitting slides, please send no more than one sheet (20 slides), 
_not_ in a tray.  CD ROM submissions may be MAC or PC format, but, due to the 
number of applicants, should be widely compatible and immediately ready to launch. 
Submit your portfolio with your application by the application due date. Do not 
send portfolios directly to Chris Csikszentmihályi, but rather to the MAS Program. 
Return postage should be included in any of the following forms: U.S. postage
stamps, U.S. money order, or personal check (U.S. only). This sum must be
separate from the application fee.  
>>>>>>>end technical information>>>>>>>>> 
Looking forward hearing from you! Christopher P. Csikszentmihályi
Director, Computing Culture Group Assistant Professor of Media Arts and Sciences
MIT Media Lab
csik at media.mit.edu
http://compcult.media.mit.edu