admissions

MIT Media Lab

Computing Culture

currently accepting students
contact:
Stephanie Gayle
617.253.0330
sgayle(at)media.mit.edu
Chris Csikszentmihályi
How artists can refigure technology to address the full range of human experience.

We are an art and technology group, based on the premise that artists often invent new media out of necessity. Our research will result in specific works of art, but will also help further an understanding of the relationships between art, technology, and cultural production. Some of the strategies we practice include interventions in contemporary consumer electronics, creating special events for public situations, and applying technical development to cultural agendas that wouldn't normally receive it. Our central interest is in physically embodied (rather than screen-based) work.

What We're Looking For

Applicants trained in art, science, or engineering, with an interest in crossover. For instance, an art student should ideally be an accomplished programmer, have machining skills, and be able to design and fabricate electronics.

Ambient Addition Project

Our Work at a Glance

Ambient Addition is a Walkman-like device, built on a digital signal processing core, that synthesizes music by sampling the sound around the listener, creating harmony and rhythm from the chaos and noise of the environment. By simultaneously opening music to incorporate the environment, but also turning the environment into music, the sound stays fresh and the listener is encouraged to explore new territory.

Special Requirements
An engineering student should have done several art projects, worked with a professional artist, or shown an ability to author radical or unexpected technologies. In any case, a portfolio of significant works is required.