The PHI Immersive Residency is a 4-week program with PHI Studio in Montréal (Canada) focused on the development stage of a proposed project.
This year, the theme is artificial intelligence at the service of creativity. The selected project will work alongside Studio PHI specialists to conceptualize, plan and prototype a work based on artificial intelligence, in a responsible framework. The work can be presented on different media, including but not limited to extended reality technologies (VR, AR, MR).
The selected project will receive personalized support, working space and select resources to develop and elaborate their concept within a broader context and create a prototype to prepare the project for eventual production.
Residency location: Montréal, Québec (Canada)
Duration: 4 weeks
→ Call for proposal:
March 6 to August 15, 2023, at 11:59 PM EDT
→ Online Q&A session (in French):
June 13, 2023, at 11 AM EDT
→ Online Q&A session (in English):
June 15, 2023, at 11 AM EDT
→ Public Announcement of selected artists:
October 2023
→ PHI Immersive Residency period:
February 5 to March 1, 2024 (4 weeks)
For more information, please contact [email protected]
Artists are invited to submit a project based on artificial intelligence at the service of creativity.
Artificial intelligence is an accessible tool that offers great possibilities in the creation of artwork, and its use can today be applied in many artistic disciplines. If it sometimes seems difficult to define, it is also because artificial intelligence does not refer to one, but to a set of digital technologies that are based on the accumulation, storage, analysis and production of data, to facilitate or imitate tasks otherwise reserved for humans. It can be an integral part of creative processes, be considered as a support within an experience, or even play a key role in managing audience behaviour in a narrative context.
Taking artificial intelligence (AI) as a starting point, PHI Immersive invites artists who seek to creatively experiment with AI to reflect on the interactions between humans and machines, current and future.
Here are some potential avenues to explore:
Creative use of artificial intelligence to design dynamic and evolving storytelling;
Visualization and manipulation of real-time data in augmented reality and virtual reality environments;
Real-time responsive smart lighting design;
AI-powered custom tools for artists to work in new ways or to deepen their research;
Text-to-speech technologies to create new forms of storytelling;
Exploration of artificial intelligence algorithms that give rise to new forms of generative art;
Creative implementation and subversion of the standard use of artificial intelligence;
Automated sound design or composition;
In its commitment to contemporary art and social issues, PHI recognizes the ongoing debate and the relevance of the questions surrounding the use of artificial intelligence (AI) in creating works of art. To uphold ethical standards, PHI seeks to encourage projects that address these issues and promote responsible use of artificial intelligence and generative works. This includes respecting intellectual property rights and using consenting sources of information, data, and imagery while recognizing the impact of AI on art. The selected project should highlight digital talents and unique digital expertise while remaining conscious of ethical considerations and sensitive subject matter.
Submit your application by August 15, 2023 11:59 PM EDT by completing the Google Form. In a supporting document in a single PDF file attachment (10 pages max.), applicants will be asked to provide the following information:
Description of Proposed Project (max. 500 word count) presenting the main artistic elements of the project: concept, synopsis, an interactive device in line with the chosen format and the target audience(s);
A statement of intent (max. 500 word count) describing the artistic choices and creative challenges specific to the chosen format;
Literary OR graphic elements presenting the main characteristics of the project: literary treatment, the visual universe, elements of scriptwriting illustrating the principles of immersive or interactive narration;
A description of desired expectations for PHI support in conceptualizing and prototyping your artwork;
Artist/Collective CV (max. 3 pages);
Documentation of previous work (up to 5 maximum) OR web links to existing documentation (up to 5 maximum).
Applications can be completed in French or English. Incomplete applications or applications that do not meet the eligibility requirements will not be considered.
The selected artist will be contacted after the deliberation process.
Positioned at the intersection of art and technology, PHI Studio develops and presents collective experiences centered around audience interactivity.
PHI Immersive Residency is an annual residency program that offers the opportunity to conceptualize and prototype a new immersive or interactive artwork with the PHI Studio team. This residency is part of PHI’s continued effort to contribute to the development of future generations of immersive storytellers.
We are looking for innovative art projects focused on artificial intelligence technologies and offering strong stories and a narrative including, but not limited to, the following elements:
New media or interactive installations;
Immersivity;
Immersive sound or audio.
Selected project will receive:
Personalized support from certain players of the PHI team throughout the 4-week residency (workshops, individual meetings):
Conceptual and creative support;
Programming and development support.
Technical support;
Production support;
Design and scenography support.
Access to the following PHI Studio facilities: PHI’s XR equipment ; PHI’s sound recording and editing studio and sound engineer; access to PHI's offices and administrative spaces;
Access to PHI’s vast network of collaborators;
Production of a short video profile to support next-stage financing of the project.
The PHI Immersive residency program does not include financial funding grants for artists. PHI Immersive is a residency where the support provided comes via access to mentors, facilities, expertise, and networks. If you are applying for external funding or bursaries, we are happy to help with any official documentation that you might need. The artist(s) will retain the Intellectual Property of their project, but PHI might ask for the first option for co-production, distribution, or exhibition.
Residency Structure
The PHI Immersive residency is an evolving program over 4 weeks that adapts according to the needs of the selected project.
Week 1 — Create and shape
First meeting with the team, group session and individual meeting to elaborate, explore and develop the concept or idea and presentation of the idea more precisely to the whole team. Establish the production schedule and specify the stages, framework and form of the project.
Week 2 — Amplify and conceive
Develop the concept of the work in the context where it will be presented and determine the expertise external expertise could be useful to the project. A week devoted to the design and form of the experience or work depending on the nature of the project.
Week 3 — Prototype and adjust
Five-day sprint in the form of a workshop with the support of our team. Develop and design the user experience: technical operations, start and end of the experience.
Week 4 — Optimizing and planning what's next
Five-day sprint in the form of a workshop with the support of our team. Meeting with the government funding and revenue team to build a financial plan and identify funding opportunities.
Local and international artists as well as small production companies, confirmed or emerging, are invited to submit their application;
Artists are invited to submit a project proposal focusing on the theme of artificial intelligence in the service of creativity including, but not limited to, the following elements: new media or interactive installations, immersivity, immersive sound or audio;
Groups and collectives of artists are eligible (up to 4 members), the conditions offered remain the same as solo artists.
The selection will be undertaken by a selection committee who reflect a diverse set of expertise and perspectives.
Applications will be evaluated according to the following criteria:
The originality of the project and narrative, its contribution to the diversity of creation, its conceptual and technical rigour and innovation (50%);
Feasibility of the project from conceptualizing to prototyping to production stages and the technical and budgetary practicality of the proposed project (30%);
History of executed works and portfolio (20%).
PHI is committed to equity in all its forms.
PHI will hold two online Q&A sessions.
→ Online Q&A session (in French):
June 13, 2023, at 11 AM EDT
→ Online Q&A session (in English):
June 15, 2023, at 11 AM EDT
To attend, please click on the link of the appropriate session above. We invite you to send us your questions by email before the session.
Do you have any questions? Check out the following FAQ! For more information, please contact [email protected]
International applicants are eligible. Selected artists will have to stay in Montreal (Canada) during the 4 weeks of the residency (from February 5 to March 1, 2024).
Lodging and travel are not provided as part of the residency. International artists and collectives are responsible for securing their working permits and other travel documentation if applicable.
Yes! If you have further questions about the application process, selection process and PHI Immersive Residency as a whole, we invite you to attend our online Q&A sessions (in French) June 13, 2023, at 11:00 AM EDT or to our online Q&A sessions (in English) June 15, 2023, at 11:00 AM EDT. We invite you to email your questions beforehand.
If you have questions beyond this, or cannot attend the session, simply direct your questions to [email protected].
Yes. The project must be able to fit into the theme of the PHI Immersive residency.
International artists are responsible for researching and obtaining the necessary travel documents, vaccination records, and/or working permits for their time in Montréal, depending on the status of the applicant. PHI can provide letters of confirmation to aid with this process.
PHI will offer no funding, but that does not prevent you from seeking additional funding elsewhere to support your costs. We can provide official documentation to help you in your applications for funding.
Yes, groups of up to 4 members are eligible for residency.
Our goal is to provide all the necessary tools to maximize the potential of a piece, this entails validating all the working hypotheses, and effectuating the steps necessary to bring your project to production. You will have access to the PHI Studio’s entire team, and we will adapt our resources to develop your project and bring your ideas to fruition, ready for proper financing.
We reserve the option to produce the piece if it aligns with PHI’s global vision and strategy.
No, the artist will retain the Intellectual Property of their project, but PHI could request the first option for co-production, distribution, or exhibition.
Yes, we encourage artists with a strong concept or idea looking to transition their practice into an immersive environment. We are looking for an innovative storyline and story world.
To get the most out of your experience we suggest you reserve between 20-30 hours minimum per week for work on your project.
Yes, we have working spaces available. PHI Immersive is a residency program providing access to select PHI facilities during residency. Access to these spaces will be managed by the person in charge of coordinating the PHI Immersive project, according to the needs of each artist. The artist in residence will also be able to visit the spaces of the PHI Foundation during the reception period.
No, we don't expect any project to have one singular space in mind.
Absolutely, there will be the possibility of borrowing some PHI equipment during the residency period depending on the availability.
The PHI spaces are partially accessible for those with reduced mobility, although additional assistance may be required and can be arranged with artists who require it.
There is no application fee.
Already completed projects are not eligible for this residency. Your proposed project may be a continuation of a past series, but must integrate new elements to be workshopped during the residency period.
We highly recommend that an artist focus on one single project application, to submit the best of this work.
Yes; all participating artists will be asked to sign a Letter of Agreement with PHI.
Applicants may voluntarily add their date of births into the Voluntary Self-Declaration section of the application. This is not required, but helps us assess the diverse age range of the artists applying for residency.
All applicants are notified once the selection process is complete.
PHI is a cultural infrastructure dedicated to supporting contemporary art and artists probing the key agenda of our times, and facilitating access between them and the public. Composed of three entities — PHI Studio, PHI Foundation, and PHI Centre — PHI is guided by values that include generosity, rigour, the importance of community, and devotes itself to the innovation and evolution of cultural experiences that both challenge and delight.
To reiterate its commitment to supporting local artistic communities, and to help shape the art of tomorrow, PHI offers three artistic residency programs annually: North, Montréal and Immersive. Although each residency meets different artists’ needs, our common mission is to provide our artists in residence with the tools, support, and impetus they need to expand the scope of their practice and take it to the next level.
Crow Castle is a VR experience centered on the story of a young boy. Since his parents raised him with two different names, he has become two. At least, that's what he tells us. In truth, the boy has created a second identity to avoid the traumas he has endured. To separate what he remembers of the past, the boy builds a palace of memories, "his own little Crow Castle," where pictures can be sewn into whatever he chooses.
The memory palace has been created in the shape of a summer house that the boy’s mother and her friends used to rent from a man who may or may not have been a pedophile. As we explore the house, we get familiar with the characters that used to inhabit the Crow Castle. At first, these characters are presented as being double-sided and untrustworthy, but the deeper down in the palace we get, we realize that we can’t always trust what parts of the memory palace are real memories and what parts are tools for the boy to remember something else.
As the experience unfolds the participant will travel further and further into the boy’s subconscious and encounter parts of the palace where spirits and demons lure in the walls.
