Glasshouse artists in residence
Glasshouse artists in residence announced
Published on: 18 July 2024
The Glasshouse International Centre for Music announces its three next generation artists appointed as Artists in Residence 2024/25, marking the start of a new partnership with Newcastle University.
Inspiring
For musicians looking to build their professional career, the opportunities presented by becoming one of The Glasshouse’s selected Artists in Residence can make a big difference.
This year, following an open call for musicians interested in using digital technology in the creation and performance of their music, The Glasshouse today announces three musicians ready to chart this innovative path.
As one of the leading live music centres in the country, The Glasshouse Artists in Residence receive space, support, and expertise to create ambitious and innovative live experiences. The new programme marks the start of a partnership with Newcastle University, alongside contributions from key partners Mediale and Advanced Media Production, to support early-career musicians across the North East.
Explosive electrofolk artist Frankie Archer, activist artist-musician Natalie Sharp, and experimental electronic producer and performer ako will receive specialist training in combining their craft with digital and immersive technologies. Possible areas of exploration include; immersive and interactive technology, artificial intelligence, virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), immersive sound and music technologies.
Frankie Archer, known for her dynamic live performances and unique blend of samples, synths, and traditional Northumbrian fiddle, aims to expand the interactive aspects of her shows, creating truly connected experiences for audiences and communities.
Natalie Sharp, a multidisciplinary artist and body activist, plans to create a ‘softer’ live experience called ‘Sea Blanket,’ which uses projection mapping and immersive sound to explore themes of disability, identity, and environmental stewardship.
Ako, an electronic musician and producer from the North East, will work on an audio-visual album inspired by Richard Brautigan’s poetic work on technological utopias. He will use creative coding and machine learning, along with adapted obsolete equipment, to challenge the consumer-driven tech industry.
Ambitious programme
The new programme marks the start of a partnership with Newcastle University. Together, they will support early-career musicians across the North East. As lead partners, Newcastle University’s music department will work closely with the artists throughout their 10-month residency.
The department provides connections across the field, drawing inspiration from the overlap of creativity and academic research across a wide range of interest areas including environment, folklore, disability, and machine learning. Artists will have the opportunity to showcase work, and experiment with innovative styles of music performance as part of the university’s on-campus programme, inspiring the next generation of musicians, students and academics.
The residency programme is also part of a two-year partnership between The Glasshouse and Mediale, an international arts commissioner based in North Yorkshire. The ambitious programme of digital commissioning, creative development and exploration resulting from this partnership will help artists create new work combining music and technology in new ways, evolving with the world of creativity and artistic expression.
The final partner supporting these digitally adventurous musicians is Digital Catapult’s Advanced Media Production network, comprising of studios PROTO in Gateshead and Target3D in London. Advanced Media Production is at the forefront of UK innovation, converging technologies and virtual environments to transform media production.
Professor Kirsten Gibson, lead for the initiative at Newcastle University, commented: "Supporting the next generation of creative practitioners is at the core of Newcastle University's work in the region and beyond and it’s great to build on this work with The Glasshouse International Centre for Music. This collaboration not only gives early-career musicians great opportunities to explore music and digital technology, but it also inspires our students and helps create an environment where creativity and research thrive together.”
Lucy Scott, Senior Producer at The Glasshouse said: “This residency shows our commitment to fostering innovation and creativity. By integrating digital and immersive technologies, we aim to provide Frankie Archer, Natalie Sharp, ako with the resources and support needed to push the boundaries of their craft. We’re excited to see how they will create unique and transformative live experiences.”
Tom Higham, Creative Director, at Mediale said: “We were looking for artists with exciting ideas and an interest in using digital technology to explore music and sound, and who need some time, space and money to develop them. We were bowled over by the standard of the applicants, again showing a thriving creative demand for opportunities in the blurred margins between music, digital and visual art. This collaboration is further evidence of the commitment of The Glasshouse to exploring the boundaries of the form, and providing responsive and supportive artist development programmes. Watch this space, as what these three artists create will most certainly blow your mind.”
