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Artist Residency Program 2007

Experimental Sound Studio (ESS) will offer four 30- to 40-hour residencies through the 2007 Artists Residency Program (ARP). At least three of these residencies are for Chicago area artists, and, for the first time, one residency will be open to non-Chicago US artists. Each residency includes access to the ESS recording facilities with engineering assistance. The ESS recording facilities include:
o one 600-sq-ft live recording studio with 16-track ProTools system, baby grand piano, isolation booth;
o one soundtrack, mixing, and mastering studio with ProTools and MAX-MSP/Jitter;
o multi-channel playback and sync-to-image capabilities;
o various digital and analog processors and recorders.

The purpose of the ARP is to facilitate the production of finished works that will be presented to the public, so please propose only projects that can be completed within the allotted time frame. Application deadline: April 2, 2007



PLEASE NOTE: REVIEW THESE GUIDELINES CAREFULLY and contact us if you have any questions or require clarification. If your proposal does not strictly conform to these categories, it may still be eligible, so please contact us to discuss and facilitate your application.

First, there are two ARTIST CATEGORIES in which you can apply. Please choose the most appropriate category for you.

ARTIST CATEGORIES (choose one only):

  • A1. SONIC ARTIST OR GROUP: This category is for audio artists, composers, musicians, sound installation artists, radio artists, or anyone who considers themselves primarily an artist working with sound, with a demonstrable history of commitment to such work. THIS IS ALSO THE CATEGORY FOR COLLABORATIONS INVOLVING A SONIC ARTIST WORKING WITH A "NON-SONIC" ARTIST OR ENSEMBLE (see below) -- FOR EXAMPLE, A COMPOSER COLLABORATING WITH A DANCE COMPANY, OR A SOUND ARTIST COLLABORATING WITH A VIDEO INSTALLATION ARTIST.

    OR
  • A2. NON-SONIC ARTIST OR GROUPS: This category is for film or video makers, performing artists/ensembles (dance, theater, performance art, etc.), installation or intermedia artists, etc. whose work is primarily visual -- that is, artists whose history is not focused on working primarily in sound. ARTISTS IN THIS CATEGORY MAY WANT TO BE "MATCHED" WITH A LOCAL SOUND ARTIST, COMPOSER, OR SOUND DESIGNER FOR THEIR PROJECT, AND THIS IS SOMETHING ESS WILL DO IF REQUESTED. 

Next, there are two PROJECT CATEGORIES in which you can apply. Please select the one that best describes the project you are proposing.

PROJECT CATEGORIES (choose one only):

  • P1. SOUND ITSELF: This category is for a sound or music project, or for a sound-only web-based project, or for a radiophonic work (radio art, documentary, narrowcast, live-to-air, etc.). Sound or music projects must incorporate the recording process as an inherent part of the concept and execution of the piece, and not simply as a means to an end. That is, projects in which the studio is being used simply to record, edit, and mix the performance of music, poetry, etc. will not be considered. The resultant work can be a recording, live-and-recorded hybrid, sound installation, broadcast, etc.

    OR
  • P2. SOUND AND…: This category is for the production of the audio element of a work that integrates recorded sound with another medium or discipline. It includes, but is not limited to, sound for live performing arts pieces (dance, theater, performance art, etc.), soundtrack postproduction for film or video, sound for installations that incorporate sonic and visual elements (such as video, photography, sculpture), etc.

REQUIRED APPLICATION MATERIALS:
• ARP Application Form (4 copies)
• One-page description of the proposed project (4 copies). Include plans for the public presentation of the finished work. 
• One-page resume(s) of participating artist(s) or ensemble(s) (4 copies).
• Two samples of recently completed work by the participating artist(s). In the case of collaborations, one or two samples of each of the collaborators' individual works are acceptable if documentation of the collaboration is not available. Submit the most appropriate documentation of your work, using Audio CD, VHS or DVD video, slides, or photographs ONLY. AUDIO OR VIDEO WORK SAMPLES SHOULD NOT EXCEED FIVE MINUTES, OR SHOULD BE CUED TO A FIVE-MINUTE EXCERPT. Do not submit original artworks. If you want materials returned, include a self-addressed stamped envelope. 
• One-page Work Sample Description to briefly describe or contextualize the documentation (4 copies).
• Since you must MAIL your application to us, please be sure it is packaged so that it will fit through a 2" x 12" mail slot to help insure delivery.

ELIGIBILITY: The ESS ARP residencies are for working artists with a demonstrable commitment to ongoing cultural practice. Students are not eligible -- by this we mean: if you are enrolled in a degree program AT ANY TIME between March 1 and December 31, 2007 (even if you are graduating during the year), you are not eligible. Recipients of 2006 Artists Residencies are not eligible. ESS Staff and Board Members are not eligible.

REVIEW CRITERIA: Priority will be given to the creative use of the ESS recording facilities, the innovative use of sound, and, where applicable ("SOUND AND…"), the innovative incorporation of sound with other media or disciplines. Proposals will be reviewed by a panel of artists active in the sonic arts. Notification will take place in May 2007. Residency award decisions by the panel will be final.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR "NON-SONIC" ARTISTS: One aim of the ARP is to help artists with limited experience in sound to locate and work with sonic artists. To this end, ESS will assist in locating an appropriate local artist to work with any selected "non-sonic" artist if they request it. This may also be the person acting as engineer for the residency sessions. In any case, such arrangements will be agreed to by all parties concerned.

SPECIAL NOTE FOR NON-CHICAGO ARTISTS: The award of an ARP residency DOES NOT include any provisions or funds for travel, accommodation or other costs. We strongly suggest that you have additional funds or arrangements in place if you accept an ARP residency.

PLEASE NOTE: The ESS Artists Residency Program is intended to facilitate the production of finished works, so be sure to propose a project that can be realistically completed in the allotted time: ambition will not be a criterion in the review process. If you have questions about this, please call us. Each 30- to 40-hour Residency will be scheduled based on mutual convenience and the production needs of the specific project. Acceptance of a Residency also includes an agreement for scheduling that must be adhered to. All projects must be completed by December 21, 2007.

Deadline for applications: All applications must be mailed to ESS, 5925 N. Ravenswood, Chicago, IL 60660, and be postmarked by April 2, 2007. Please do not send applications before March 1, 2007. Hand-delivered applications will not be accepted. Late applications will not be accepted. 

For additional information, clarification, or questions, please call ESS at 773-769-1069 or e-mail us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.