Chantier IA 2

GENERAL STATEMENT

Sporobole is pleased to launch its second series of calls for projects as part of Chantier IA!

Artificial intelligence (AI) has become a commonplace expression, so intensively it has occupied media space in recent months. Indeed, the technological advances that have brought AI to the forefront of general attention – ChatGPT, Gemini or other LLMs and generative algorithms that produce images, sounds, videos, texts or code – have made it so present, both in the imaginary and in its concrete dimension, that it is now difficult to look back and envisage a pre-IA reality. This is without taking into account the fact that algorithms have been part of our daily lives for many years now, albeit in the shadows of screens, silently calculating, automating computer functions here and there, facilitating the use of websites and software, etc. In short, they build bridges between the internal world of digital reality and the external world of our physical reality.  

In the midst of this technological revolution and paradigm shift – of our representation of the world – mixed emotions infiltrate our postures, whatever they may be. Fear and mistrust are the flip side of a coin where wonder waltzes with amazement, and even if mistrust is a well-meaning and desirable ally, our fear of AI – like many fears – is often unreasonable and deeply rooted in beliefs and myths. Whether we draw parallels with an entity of unknown origin, a form of extraterrestrial consciousness, a deity figure or a modern-day golem, AI nevertheless remains of the order of otherness: it is the stranger who inhabits the black box and activates it. It would seem, however, that it is not completely impossible to investigate the workings of these artificial neural networks, notably through reverse engineering processes. Is AI’s aura of mystery not ultimately an invitation to verify its limits and foundations? 

After a first series of artistic residencies around AI, Sporobole is delighted to launch its second series of calls for projects, continuing the cycle of reflection and support for artistic creation currently underway. The wide-ranging Chantier IA, which runs until 2026, is a multi-faceted initiative whose aim is to offer artists a context in which to explore the algorithmic potential of AI in its current state. This state is one of constant flux, of madcap effervescence, of high-speed optimization, of ethical questioning and redefinition of the concept of creation – to name but a few aspects of the prism that is recomposing before our eyes a certain fraction of the present. And if we look over the horizon of current technological developments, the present always seems to be the future.

Through residencies in which we hope to reach out to a variety of artistic disciplines, from digital art to literature and from cinema to sound practices, we hope to help break down the sometimes insularity of digital art and play an active part in demystifying AI by offering artists an optimal and appropriate context for exploration. Our mandate to support the development of artistic projects is also strengthened by an approach based on the co-construction of knowledge, which will be put forward through certain residencies in which the notion of knowledge transfer will be particularly valued. The aim is to reflect on the role of AI, algorithms and machine learning mechanisms, not only in terms of their known and assumed functions, but also in terms of their hidden agendas; to divert their prescribed use; to explore their potential through situational and contextual displacements; to deepen our critical and ethical posture in the face of algorithms; to envisage different modalities of “cohabitation” and “dialogue” with AI, opening up towards inclusive and creative futures.

Needless to say, we look forward to hearing about your projects and proposals!

APPLICATION DEADLINE: november 8, 2024, 4 p.m.!

Any questions? Contact us at [email protected]

the Calls

Sporobole is an organization that explores the challenges posed by digital technologies for artistic creation and the ecosystem that supports it. By placing independent artistic creation at the heart of its actions, the center opens up spaces for reflection, experimentation, production and dissemination that give agency to the people who make up the heart of the artistic ecosystem. Sporobole’s actions are as much about artistic research and exploration as they are about technological support and empowerment for artists and cultural organizations. 

The Sporobole Studio is the organization’s main space for artistic experimentation, production and reflection. Its team has over 30 years’ experience in research and development in the artistic, technological, academic and interactive media worlds. It welcomes artists for research-creation residencies lasting from a few weeks to several months, and accompanies them through all phases of the project: reflection, experimentation, prototyping, production and distribution. 

Throughout the 24-26 cycle, Sporobole will be producing a series of exhibitions around AI and the ways in which it impacts our societies. Various perspectives will be explored, and the artistic potential of these tools will be brought to the fore. The cycle will conclude with the release of a publication – including essays, interviews and a look back at the residencies – currently in production. Chantier IA is part of the ArtIA laboratory, which brings together Sporobole, SAT (Société des arts technologiques), Projet Collectif and LLio (Laboratoire en innovation ouverte) in a program of reflection and research-action on the challenges of AI for the artistic milieu.

Chantier IA team :
Renaud Gervais
Guillaume Lévesque
Nathalie Bachand
Éric Desmarais
Yan St-Onge

Expositions :
2023 – ########### A###########
2024 – Sous la surface : une étude Solaristique