How much attention do you pay to surrounding soundscapes?

German sound artist Lasse-Marc Riek uses field recording to explore acoustic ecology, bio-acoustics and soundscapes. PRAKSIS’s 17th residency Climata takes its starting point from questions he addresses in his practice. They include:

What do climate soundscapes sound like; how, and where, do they occur?

What can sound tell us about how the world is changing and our future?

What effect do human-generated soundscapes have on biodiversity and climate?

In what ways can ecological change be represented to instigate meaningful change?

This open call invites applications from artists, musicians, poets, scientists and others with an interest in ecology and sound, and a desire to explore these and related questions. Eight places are available, and applications are welcome from residents of Oslo, Norwegian nationals, and international candidates.

PRAKSIS will carbon offset resident’s journeys to and from Oslo, but recognises that a discussion of the need and importance of travel for our activity is particularly significant for this residency. The topic of what these journeys bring for participants and others, and how significant the distance and time involved in cross-cultural exchange is will also be addressed during the residency. One tool you may wish to use to consider the impact of your journey is https://www.myclimate.org/">myclimate.org.

Lasse-Marc Riek uses field recording as a means to capture and explore acoustic ecology, bio-acoustics and soundscapes. Since 1997, he has operated internationally, staging exhibitions and concerts, releasing recordings, and delivering lectures and workshops. Diverse venues have hosted his performances: galleries, art museums, churches and universities. His work has featured on public media, including public radio channels. He has received scholarships and participated in artist-in-residence programs in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. He is co-founder of the label Gruenrekorder, which since 2001 has concentrated on soundscapes, field recordings and electro-acoustic compositions and works in these contexts with artists and scientists on an international level. More information at: https://www.lasse-marc-riek.de/">www.lasse-marc-riek.de

This residency extends over a six-month period and features 2 x two-week-long periods of group residency activity based in Oslo. In the intervening period participants are invited to continue the residency dialogue via digital platforms.

Part one: Research and Process, based in Oslo
Arrival 30 April 2020 - Departure 10 May 2020

This intensive session will allow participants to introduce their practices and share ideas. It will seek to define the residency’s foci, look at work being done in the field, and discuss its possible directions, intentions and methods. Activities during this period include practical work involving workshops, on-site visits, seminars, discussions, walks, and recording sessions.

Part two: Contact and Exchange via digital platforms
1 June 2020 - 1 October 2020

Continued dialogue and development of projects.

Part three: Implementation and Results, based in Oslo
Arrival 5 October 2020 - Departure 17 October 2020

Residents return to discuss, install and disseminate project outcomes. Potential formats include interviews, sound collages/compositions, archival displays, visualizations, performances, in-situ actions in urban spaces, and more.

PRAKSIS residencies are intensive and structured around the interests and needs of their participants. The particular form that each residency takes is developed collectively through discussion once the group comes together. Group members are encouraged to share their reasons for applying and what they hope to get out of their time with PRAKSIS.

Convened by Lasse-Marc Riek, the residency will be non-hierarchical, and feature a mixture of self-led and arranged activities. Residents are encouraged to suggest or lead an action, activity or workshop with the group relating to their own background interests and/or methods. Participants are also encouraged to contribute towards a shared resource list compiled in advance of the residency. Potential resources include readings, podcasts, films, music, or other materials for consideration during the residency.

Applications are welcomed from artists and practitioners or theorists in other areas whose interests and experience are relevant to the residency’s theme. Selected residents will be part of a temporary community of between five and eight local and international participants. The residency will involve group activities, discussion and creative exchange around the residency theme, as well as time for independent work. Selection is based on applicants’ ability both to gain from, and contribute to, the activities of the month-long residency.

PRAKSIS aims to provide an environment for development and professional growth: applications are welcome from practitioners of differing ages and experience levels.

This residency is free of charge and offers comfortable accommodation for non-Oslo based residents in central Oslo. Local residents will continue to live at their usual address. The residency community will regularly come together at the residency studio space, and at organised events and meals.

Selected international participants receive a stipend of 3000 NOK (approximately 300 euros) towards additional costs.

Weekly meals encourage discussion, debate and friendship. On weekdays PRAKSIS will provide lunch at PRAKSIS HQ. Dinners for all residents plus invited guests are held weekly.

Oslo has a vibrant and adventurous arts landscape. PRAKSIS will provide residents with information and links to the city’s cultural scene, informing them about exhibitions, talks, performances and other events. PRAKSIS seeks wherever possible to connect participants with relevant organisations and individuals in Oslo, introducing the residency community to Oslo creatives in various spheres, including curators, writers, and artists.

Activities and events will be mainly held at PRAKSIS’s space in central Oslo. At the start of the residency, participants are invited to make a presentation, informally introducing themselves and their practice to the rest of the group. Other activities include residency-related visits, a tour of Oslo's galleries, networking events, discussions and group critiques – some open to the public. A screening/seminar event will address issues surrounding the residency theme.

Residents are responsible for their own travel and any further costs.

Three places are available for international residents. Further places may be offered subject to securing support. Approximately four spaces are available to local residents.

Our team is happy to support applications for external grants wherever possible.

Sound specialists, Notam, will make a selection of sound recording equipment available to residents. Specifications can be discussed in detail with selected participants. If you have specific requirements, it may be advisable to bring your own equipment.

English is the common language at PRAKSIS and residencies must be sufficiently fluent to participate in group discussion and activity.

Residents are expected to involve themselves fully in the work of the residency: joining meals, participating in events and engaging with the resident community.

Accepting a residency involves a commitment to participation for the full residency term.