Richard Wirth is a Master’s candidate in the Arts and Technology program at the University of Texas at Dallas. Richard’s fellowship will be designed around his research of MMORPGs (Massively Multiplayer Online Role Playing Games) as interactive storytelling environments, comparing the function of secondary oral media across different modes of social interaction through the lens of video game ethnography. During his fellowship, Richard will explore Leonardo publications for his writings and research and also will serve as a guest editor of the Leonardo On-Line blog, among other activities.
The Leonardo Fellowship program recognizes accomplished graduate students and junior faculty from Leonardo Senior Affiliate organizations. Selected Leonardo Fellows will have an opportunity to advance their selected research or project area through such activities as publishing in the internationally renowned Leonardo journal or creating a unique art-science project under the auspices of Leonardo, as well as to receive mentorship from senior Leonardo editors. The Leonardo Fellowship includes a cash stipend of $1,000 (U.S.).
Throughout its history, Leonardo has presented the work of renowned international theorists, artists, scientists, curators and other practitioners of contemporary art involving 20th- and 21st-century media. The Leonardo Archive, spanning nearly 50 years, provides a rich basis for exploration of the genesis of art-science work, from the introduction of pioneering applications in kinetic art, computer animation, net art, interactive, telematic, algorithmic and genetic art, environmental, bio and land art to more recent artistic applications in nano art, CAVE installation work, augmented reality, artificial intelligence, wearables, sound art, cloud-based art and beyond.
Fellowships may be realized in a variety of possible forms, such as (but not limited to):
- Guest-editing a themed special section in Leonardo journal
- Curating a Leonardo Gallery devoted to work in the field of art-science-technology
- Researching a topic area drawing on the 50-year Leonardo archive, leading to publication of an article in Leonardojournal or Leonardo On-Line
- Or another project that utilizes the content or other resources of the Leonardo Network.
The creativity of the proposal will be a factor in the selection of Leonardo Fellows. Leonardo Fellows will also have opportunities to interface with the Leonardo community:
- One month as a guest editor of the Leonardo On-Line Blog
- Opportunity to speak at a Leonardo Art Science Evening Rendezvous (LASER) event.
Note: Submitted writings and projects are subject to editorial review and are not guaranteed to be published.
Who is eligible? During the announced nomination period, Leonardo Senior Affiliate Members may nominate one (1) graduate student for the Fall Fellowship and one (1) junior faculty member for the Spring Fellowship.
What is a Senior Affiliate Member? A Senior Affiliate Member is a paying member institution, department, lab or organization that is creating work in the intersection of art, science and technology. For more information about the many benefits of joining the Leonardo Affliate Program, please see www.leonardo.info/affiliates.
The nomination process: We accept nominations twice a year for the two fellowships: an autumn fellowship for a graduate student and a spring fellowship for a junior faculty member.
Step 1 Nomination period opens and is announced by the Leonardo Affiliate Program. Senior Affiliates are invited submit a nomination.
Step 2 The Leonardo Senior Affiliate nominator sends a preliminary email to Leonardo/ISAST indicating the name and position of the organization’s nominee and his/her contact information and including the nominator’s letter of recommendation in support of the nominee.
Step 3 Upon acknowledgmentand request by Leonardo/ISAST, the nominee submits a project proposal as well as a resume and writing sample for consideration.
Where and when is the fellowship? The fellowships are conducted remotely, with periodic telephone or video contact with the Leonardo editors. The duration of each fellowship is either one academic quarter or semester. One fellowship takes place at a time, rotating between the graduate student and the junior faculty fellowship.
Does the fellowship offer a stipend? We offer a $1,000 stipend, awarded at the beginning of the fellowship project.
Have more questions? Contact Danielle Siembieda, Leonardo Affiliate Manager, dani…@leonardo.info
Timeline of Spring 2015 Fellowship (Junior Faculty Members)
October 15, 2014: Fellowship Nomination Period Announced (for Fall: Graduate Student Nominations Only)
November 15, 2014: Fellowship Nominations and supporting materials due
December 15, 2014: Materials From Nominee Due
January 15, 2015: Fall Fellowship Awardee announced
February 15, 2015: Fall Fellowship begins
April 30, 2015: Fall Fellowship ends