In an era where technology rapidly reshapes creative landscapes, Lincoln Center’s groundbreaking Collider Fellowship emerges as a visionary program bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and traditional performing arts. This innovative initiative specifically supports multidisciplinary artists exploring how emerging technologies can revolutionize live performance experiences.
What Makes the Collider Fellowship Unique
The Collider Fellowship stands out as a non-transactional program that provides artists with unprecedented creative freedom. Participants receive studio space at Lincoln Center and Onassis ONX, financial stipends, and comprehensive staff support. Importantly, the program imposes no requirement for final projects or commissions, allowing artists to pursue their vision without pressure.
Second Cohort of Collider Fellowship Artists
Lincoln Center recently announced its second class of six exceptional fellows working across diverse technological domains. These artists represent the forefront of innovation in performing arts:
- Cinthia Chen explores memory and hybrid identities through performance and projection design
- Sam Rolfes creates virtual performances for major artists including Lady Gaga and Metallica
- James Allister Sprang pioneers immersive 4D Sound System experiences exploring diasporic timelines
- Stephanie Dinkins, named one of Time’s 100 Most Influential in AI, examines race and future histories
- Kevin Peter He merges cinema, dance, and game engines to explore narrative structures
- Dr. Rashaad Newsome combines AI, robotics, and collage to examine Black and Queer cultural expression
Technology as an Artistic Tool, Not Replacement
Jordana Leigh, Lincoln Center’s vice president of programming, emphasizes that technology serves as “another tool in their toolkit, like a mixer for sound or a paintbrush for paint.” This perspective counters widespread anxiety about technology’s impact on arts, instead focusing on how tools like AI and VR can enhance artistic expression.
Demonstrating Transformative Potential
The program already showcases remarkable results. Dream Machine, an installation by inaugural fellow Nona Hendryx, combines AI, VR, and augmented reality to create Afrofuturist environments. This work particularly helps BIPOC visitors see themselves represented in technology, addressing historical underrepresentation in tech spaces.
Global Reach and Future Implications
While focusing on location-based experiences involving VR, AR, and extended reality, the Collider Fellowship also explores how technology can help Lincoln Center reach global audiences. The program represents a significant step toward redefining performing arts for the digital age.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the duration of the Collider Fellowship?
The fellowship spans six months, during which artists receive comprehensive support and resources.
Do fellows need to produce specific projects?
No, the program intentionally avoids requiring final projects, allowing artists to use the time according to their creative needs.
How are fellows selected?
Artists are chosen through a nomination-based process focusing on innovative approaches to technology in performing arts.
What technologies do fellows typically explore?
Fellows work with various technologies including artificial intelligence, virtual reality, augmented reality, and immersive sound systems.
How does the program address diversity in technology?
The fellowship actively supports artists from diverse backgrounds and encourages projects that promote representation in technology spaces.
Are fellowship outcomes publicly accessible?
While some projects may eventually be shown at Lincoln Center, the focus remains on artistic development rather than public presentation.
