Call for applications for an artist residency on the theme of biometrics in live performance
Each year, Ohme supports and offers its expertise to several artists in artistic and technical residencies. Through this initiative, and according to the specific needs of each artist, Ohme actively supports the conception and the conception and production of innovative artistic projects, provides solid technical and scientific support in research and development, networks with experts and researchers, and promotes exchanges between art, science and technology.
Together with Pilar (House of Art and Science of the Vrije Universiteit Brussels – VUB) and FARI (Research Institute in AI, data & Robotics for the Common Good in Brussels), Ohme is launching an open call for an artist residency focused on exploring the interactions between biometric technologies and human expression in live performance.
This residency takes place in the wider framework of biometrika, an artistic and technical long term project exploring the potential of biometrics at the service of the live performance.
About biometrika
This initiative aims to foster creative works at the intersection of art and technology by offering a rich program that includes artist-researcher interactions, workshops, technical support from engineers, outreach events, and an artistic residency.
The biometrika project is rooted both in the original concept of biometrics – the measurement of biological parameters – and in the research undertaken by Ohme Lab over the last 3 years in this field. Ohme has developed technologies to capture biosignals from the body and its environment, translating them into real-time bidirectional interactions with artworks. The use of such signals to reveal mental, emotional, and/or physical states involves the integration of sensors, acquisition systems and (AI-based) methods for the pre-processing, classification and interpretation of these signals. These developments, led by Ohme Lab, have so far focused on integrating biometric data and biosignals into the creation of digital art installations, exploring how the public’s reactions to a work of art can influence that work in real time, and vice versa.
With biometrika, we propose a shift in focus from audience biosignals to those of the performer(s) themselves. This project explores how real-time biometric data—reflecting the physical, mental, and/or emotional states of the performer(s)—can influence their performance. The performer(s)’ internal responses become part of the artistic creation, enhancing the interaction between artist and artwork. Such biosignal-driven performances could enable audiences to experience a more intimate connection, as the technology makes the performer’s emotional and physiological engagement with their art more explicit and perceptible in real time.
The biometrika project is possible thanks to support from cultuurculture 2024-25, an initiative stemming from the cultural cooperation agreement between the Communauté française and the Vlaamse Gemeenschap.
Description of the residency
The call is open to individual artists or collectives (hereby the artist).
Through this residency, the artist will have the opportunity to collaborate with engineers, scientists, and researchers to create live performances using real-time biometric data and biosignals.
This residency offers the selected artist(s) the opportunity to explore different research questions such as:
- How data from the human body and mind can be captured through sensors and technologies like EEG headset, motion detector, depth, respiration, heart rate, pressure or sweat sensors ?
- How can we filter these data streams, process and analyse them so that – based on current research in psychology (psychoacoustics, social psychology, cognitive psychology, psychophysiology, neuroscience, etc.) – they can tell us something about the physical, mental and emotional state of one or more performers?
- What methods need to be put in place to ensure, in a performative context (sound and visual noise, movement, external disturbances, stress, etc.), that the acquisition chain works properly and that there is an unambiguous relationship between the biosignals measured and the emotional and physical states of the performer that we are trying to deduce from them?
- How can the data signals provided by these devices be used to create interactive performances using capable technological tools that generate real-time feedback loops between the performer(s) and the performance they are delivering ?
biometrika provides a platform for interdisciplinary collaboration between artists, engineers, and researchers, fostering a supportive environment for artistic experimentation and performance development.
Within this framework, the artist will be involved in an artistic research project linked to the programme, benefiting from the support and guidance of Ohme, and drawing inspiration from and inspiring the programme’s interdisciplinary community.
Ohme has partnered with Pilar (House for Arts and Science at the VUB) and FARI (interuniversity ULB-VUB Institute in AI, Data & Robotics for the Common Good), to provide a collaborative and supportive environment for the selected artist(s).
Pilar contributes to the residency by offering access to its space and resources, including the Pilar Box and its staging equipment for black box working sessions. FARI provides scientific input, links with academic circles and access to its brand new sensors library, robots library and CAVE (Computer Augmented Virtual Environment) described below.
About Ohme
Founded in 2017 by a team of engineers and cultural professionals, Ohme works at the intersection of artistic and scientific disciplines, contributing to the development of new conceptions of interdisciplinarity, with a keen interest in research, co-creation, knowledge sharing and breaking down barriers between disciplines, mindsets and audiences. Ohme aims to foster the development of new forms of artistic creation, science outreach, and exploratory research, through collaborative and transdisciplinary practices.
For more details, visit: www.ohme.be
About Pilar
Pilar is an experimental art and culture space in Brussels, connected to the VUB (Vrije Universiteit Brussel). It focuses on nurturing emerging and established creators, particularly from generations Y and Z, by providing a platform for cross-disciplinary work in art and science. Pilar encourages innovation, experimentation, and collaboration between artists, scientists, and thinkers, aiming to foster cultural entrepreneurship and radical humanism. It acts as a hub for creative talents to challenge societal norms and propose alternatives through artistic expression.
For more details, visit: www.pilar.brussels
About FARI
FARI is an AI research institute in Brussels, founded through a collaboration between VUB and ULB, focusing on AI, data, and robotics for the common good. It promotes inclusive, ethical, and sustainable AI development, ensuring transparency, fairness, and accountability in its projects. By involving local communities and civic steering committees, FARI seeks to address societal challenges at the local and international levels, emphasising responsible research and innovation.
For more details, visit: www.fari.brussels
Phases of the residency
This residency will consist of several stages.
Phase 1 (Jan 2025 with Ohme)
Start of the artistic residency
Ideation process, state of the art, search for potential external expert/consultant profiles
Participation in and contribution to workshops on biometric technologies and their use in artistic creation
Phase 2 (Feb-Mar 2025 with FARI & Ohme)
Series of meetings with engineers and researchers
Definition of the artistic intention and technical specifications
Phase 3 (Monday 7 April to Friday 11 April 2025 at Pilar Box)
1st black box working session
Phase 4 (May-June 2025 – Ohme & FARI)
R&D phase towards an established concept, feasibility study, sizing and manufacture of a functional pre-prototype
Phase 5 (August-October with Ohme, Pilar & FARI)
Further research and development of the project
2nd black box working session (at Pilar Box)
Research restitution event
Phase 6 (February 2026)
Public presentation within the framework of Ohme’s annual projects presentation
What we are looking for
This open call aims to support the development of a performing art project, i.e. a live creative activity that takes place in front of an audience (dance, music, opera, theatre, magic, illusion, performance art, etc.).
It is aimed at performers (dancers, musicians, singers, actors, comedians, magicians, etc.), artists and workers in related fields (real-time visual artists, choreographers, sound engineers, lighting designers, scenographers, etc.), as well as hybrid collectives.
We are therefore open to all media (visual arts, digital arts, dance, theatre, music, video, etc.)
We are looking for projects:
- that would benefit from structured support in terms of research, contextualisation and/or technical experimentation
- that are aligned with the research areas defined above and the theme of integrating biometric technologies at the heart of the performance concept.
We are seeking artists who:
- demonstrate an interest in and willingness to get involved in the biometrika programme
- have a willingness to incorporate new technologies into their practice and a keen interest in their use or application in unexpected contexts
- demonstrate a strong interest in exploring and experimenting with the use of biometric technologies and how they can be applied to create new forms of artistic expression
- open to interdisciplinary approaches and proactive in collaborating with experts from different scientific, technological and artistic fields.
What we offer
Financial Support
A budget of €6,000 (excl. VAT) will be provided, covering both production costs and artist fees, depending on the project proposed
Technical and Artistic Support
10 days (to be defined) of support from Ohme’s artistic and technical team, to be divided according to the needs of the artist among: scientific support and technical development with engineers from Ohme Lab, residency days, networking, etc.
Access to Facilities:
Depending on the project proposed and needs of the artist :
- Access to technologies developed by Ohme Lab and to its equipment for prototyping and experimentation (3D printers, laser cutter, CNC, etc.).
- Access to the Pilar Box, Pilar’s performance/concert/theatre space and its staging equipment including platforms, risers, trusses, rigging systems, lighting fixtures, sound systems, backdrops, curtains, props, etc.
- Access to FARI’s brand new sensors and robots library, as well as to its new Computer Augmented Virtual Environment (CAVE), an immersive 3D space designed for interactive visualisation and collaborative experimentation in AI, robotics, and data.
Networking Opportunities
Access to Ohme’s extensive university network and contact with scientists and researchers, including the academic and professional networks of Pilar (VUB) and the nearly 300 experts in AI, data and robotics at FARI (ULB/VUB), depending on the artist’s needs.
Workspaces
Workspaces at Pilar and Ohme Lab that are equipped for creative and technical development (periods and durations are partly to be determined).
Requirements
Residency
To be an artist, a collective of artists or an artistic organisation, resident in Belgium.
Language
Fluency in English is required, as the residency program will be conducted primarily in this language. Fluency in French and/or Dutch is also appreciated.
Interests in Science and Technology
Depending on the proposed project, its objectives and its lines of development, demonstrating an interest in interdisciplinarity and a curiosity for various disciplines is appreciated. The artist will have the opportunity to discuss and work with specialists during the residency.
These disciplines include biometrics, AI, machine learning, computer science, creative coding, signal processing, cognitive psychology, electronics, telecommunications, biology, physiology, biophysics, bioengineering, computational biology, biomechanics, biomedical engineering, medical monitoring or neuroscience.
Of course, it is not a requirement to have experience or solid skills in these areas.
Moreover, we are open to proposals that explore other disciplines, whether in the formal, natural, social or human sciences.
Open to All Media
We encourage applications from artists working in all forms of artistic expression, including but not limited to dance, theatre, music, visual arts, digital arts, video, etc.
We welcome artists from all disciplines, provided they demonstrate a genuine interest in integrating biometrics technologies into their practice.
Calendar of the residency
Application Deadline: 30/11/2024, 23:59 (CET)
Announcement of the selected artist: 23/12/2024
Start of the residency: 15/01/2025
Period of the residency: 15/01/2025 – 15/10/2025
A timetable for this period is to be agreed with Ohme (participation and attendance in workshops, possible research and technical development phase in Ohme’s offices, access to FARI’s CAVE, Ohme Lab spaces and equipment, etc.). The exact schedule will be arranged with the selected artist(s) to ensure a customised experience.
The 1st period of access to the Pilar Box has already been defined:
1st black box working session: 07/04/2025 – 11/04/2025
2nd black box working session: Between 15/08 and 15/09
Research restitution event: Between Oct and Dec 2025
The precise date will be agreed with the selected artist and the partners.
Public presentation: Feb 2026
Within the framework of Ohme’s annual projects presentation.
How to apply?
Applications are to be submitted before 30/11/2024, 23:59, including the elements listed below in a single PDF to be sent to the following address: opencall@ohme.be
- A C.V. up to date.
- A portfolio.
- A text of one maximum page, in English, explaining your interest in the residency and the theme(s) of the biometrika project.
- A statement, of two maximum pages, in English, relating to the artistic research project you wish to develop or refine, including a description of the project.
- Images and/or drawings and diagrams, an explanation of the approach (what questions are raised, the implications, the influences, etc.).
- A provisional budget
- The completed contact form to download here.
The evaluation criteria will be as follows: innovative character, originality, relevance to the theme and research axes, technical and budgetary feasibility.
Ohme, Pilar and FARI look forward to hearing about your project and working with you within the framework of the 2025 programme.
For any questions or further information, please contact us at opencall@ohme.be.
Supported by the Cultuurculture cooperation programme, an initiative by Communauté française & Vlaamse Gemeenschap
