Docking Station project, delivered by the Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries (iCCi) at the University of Kent, is seeking to recruit a digital artist or collective for a residency.
We are looking for creative storytellers who utilise immersive technologies to push boundaries and share narratives in innovative ways. The selected artist or collective will create a collaborative piece that highlights the heritage stories of our building and its connections to the communities in Medway, presented in an immersive format.
We welcome all forms of digital work, including projection mapping, game design, motion capture, spatial audio, augmented reality (AR), virtual reality (VR), film-making, animation, performance, dance, and theatre.
Digital Immersive Art for this programme includes art that uses technology to actively involve the audience. We are interested in the use of virtual, augmented and extended reality in the creation of artwork that bridges physical and digital spaces, engages multiple senses, and connects people to each other and/or to their environment.
What we are looking to fund
We will fund any creative practice that incorporates immersive technology. Creative projects should propose the physical presentation of work at our site in The Historic Dockyard, or as an installation or interactive pop-up at a Medway-based festival. Projects must be designed to be displayed and shared with an audience both physically and virtually, including online. While using social media platforms for distribution is encouraged to reach a wider audience, it cannot be the only method of sharing the creative project.
This residency is supported by several key organisations, including the Cultural Development Fund (via Arts Council England), the National Lottery Heritage Fund, and the Colyer-Fergusson Charitable Trust. We are seeking projects that align with our primary objective of supporting our place shaping agenda, which aims to raise awareness of the Docking Station project and share the heritage of the Police Section House with the communities in Medway.
As part of the creation process, the artist will need to engage with local communities, incorporating a collaborative element that fosters digital skills development and promotes a deeper understanding of digital storytelling. This engagement should also introduce participants to potential pathways into the digital sector.
Who we will fund
We are keen to extend our support to digital artists who are either based in Medway or have actively engaged with the community in this area. Our ideal resident is an artist who is already active in the field with a strong proficiency in digital tools and techniques, demonstrating the ability to work autonomously while producing captivating artwork.
Furthermore, we are looking for someone who has a track record of collaborating with community members, enriching their practice through meaningful engagement and connection.
What we offer
£6,000 total payment for the whole residency (to include artists fees, delivery costs, any travel expenses or other associated costs).
Access to studio and office space at the Chatham Dockyard provided in kind
Use of equipment Motion Capture (18 camera Optitrack system and Perception Neuron suits), Green Screen virtual production (Red Komodo X and Unreal Engine), Editing and grading, VR Headsets (Meta Quest and Vive Focus 3), Audio recording studios.
Technical support
Marketing support
Access to a network of local creative organisations
Connections in the local community
Public sharing event
Timeline
Application open date: 10th February 2025
Application closing date: 23rd March 2025
Interview date: 1st and 2nd April 2025
Outcome notification: Monday 7th April 2025
Residency: To be agreed with the candidate but a minimum 3-month period commencing April 2025. Minimum 1 day a week on site in the office/studio at the Historic Dockyard Chatham.
Please feel free to contact us for an informal pre-application chat at dockingstation@kent.ac.uk
Download our Expression of Interest here
Credits: LILIITH.AEON by Aoi + Esteban, Institute of Cultural and Creative Industries Associate Artists – University of Kent. Photo: Shane Benson