Lincoln Center’s Collider Fellowship: Bridging Technology and the Arts
In an era marked by rapid technological advancements, the Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts is taking a bold step to explore the intersection of technology and live performance. The center recently announced its second cohort of Collider Fellows, a diverse group of six artists who will delve into innovative realms such as virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and immersive sound systems. This initiative aims to redefine the landscape of performing arts by integrating emerging technologies into creative expression.
A New Class of Innovators
The Collider Fellowship, which is part of Lincoln Center’s broader mission to support artists in non-traditional ways, has selected its new fellows through a nomination-based process. Over the next nine months, these artists will have access to studio space at Lincoln Center and Onassis ONX, along with financial support and mentorship from Lincoln Center staff. This unique opportunity allows them to experiment and explore without the pressure of delivering a final project.
Jordana Leigh, Lincoln Center’s vice president of programming, expressed her enthusiasm for the new cohort. “I love that they’re all really thoughtful people who are not just thinking about their work itself, but how it fits into a larger conversation in arts and technology,” she stated. This sentiment reflects a growing recognition of the need for artists to engage with technology not merely as a tool but as a medium that can enhance their creative visions.
The Role of Technology in the Arts
Leigh, an “eternal optimist” regarding the potential benefits of technology in the arts, emphasized that artists can utilize tools like AI as extensions of their creative processes. “For some artists, technology is catching up to their vision, versus their vision catching up to this technology,” she noted. This perspective is particularly relevant in a time when many artists are grappling with the implications of AI and other technologies on their work.
One notable example Leigh highlighted is “Dream Machine,” a project by Nona Hendryx that combines AI, virtual reality, and augmented reality to immerse audiences in Afrofuturist environments. This project aims to empower underrepresented communities, particularly Black and Brown individuals, by helping them see themselves in technological narratives. “The more people who are part of the conversation, the more chance we have for it to be a good conversation,” Leigh added, underscoring the importance of inclusivity in the dialogue surrounding technology and the arts.
The Fellowship’s Unique Approach
The Collider Fellowship distinguishes itself by not imposing strict requirements on its participants. Unlike traditional artist residencies that often culminate in a final exhibition or performance, the Collider Fellowship encourages a more exploratory approach. Leigh shared that the first class of fellows produced a variety of outcomes, from multiple prototypes to research-focused endeavors. “Both approaches are completely acceptable ways to use this fellowship,” she remarked.
This flexibility allows artists to engage deeply with their ideas, fostering an environment where creativity can flourish without the constraints of commercial expectations. Leigh noted that many projects from the inaugural class are still in development, with some potentially being showcased at Lincoln Center in the future.
Meet the New Collider Fellows
The six new Collider Fellows represent a rich tapestry of artistic disciplines and backgrounds, each bringing a unique perspective to the fellowship:
- Cinthia Chen: A multidisciplinary artist and technologist, Chen’s work explores themes of memory, hybrid identities, and spiritual futurism through performance, installation, and projection design.
- Sam Rolfes: As a virtual performer and co-director of Team Rolfes, Rolfes specializes in motion-capture performances and has collaborated with high-profile artists like Lady Gaga and Metallica.
- James Allister Sprang: The first U.S.-based artist to work with the 4D Sound System, Sprang creates immersive experiences that delve into diasporic timelines and the Black interior.
- Stephanie Dinkins: A transdisciplinary artist and educator, Dinkins focuses on the intersections of emerging technologies, race, and future histories. She was recently recognized as one of Time Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in AI.
- Kevin Peter He: Drawing from his background in cinema, dance, and urban transformation, He explores how structures and technologies shape narrative and embodiment across film, performance, and game engines.
- Dr. Rashaad Newsome: A Whitney Biennial alum, Newsome’s work combines collage, performance, AI, and robotics to investigate Black and Queer cultural expression.
The Future of Performing Arts
As the Collider Fellowship progresses, it aims to not only support individual artists but also to rethink how Lincoln Center can engage with audiences on a global scale. Leigh expressed her commitment to exploring location-based experiences, particularly those involving virtual and augmented reality. “I don’t think we’re closing the door to anything right now,” she stated, indicating a willingness to adapt and innovate in response to the evolving landscape of the arts.
The Collider Fellowship is a testament to Lincoln Center’s dedication to fostering creativity and inclusivity in the arts. By embracing technology as a partner in artistic expression, the center is paving the way for a new era of performance that resonates with diverse audiences and reflects the complexities of contemporary society.
Conclusion
In a world increasingly shaped by technology, the Lincoln Center’s Collider Fellowship stands out as a beacon of innovation and inclusivity. By providing artists with the resources and freedom to explore the intersection of technology and the arts, Lincoln Center is not only nurturing individual creativity but also contributing to a broader dialogue about the future of performance. As these six new fellows embark on their journeys, they carry with them the potential to reshape the performing arts landscape, making it more accessible and reflective of the diverse voices that define our society.
