Human Sensor

Manchester European City of Science and Invisible Dust are delighted to announce a groundbreaking art commission – Human Sensor by new media artist Kasia Molga. This will culminate in a series of spectacular art performances on air pollution in Manchester (23-29 July) as part of the Science in the City festival. A Sustaining Excellence Award from the Wellcome Trust has funded the project.

Human Sensor is currently inviting applications from Manchester based science students (aged 18 years and over) to take part in this unique project. This is an opportunity for students with a passion for the environment and climate change to work and learn with highly respected artist Kasia Molga and leading environmental scientist Frank Kelly and his team from Kings College, London. Successful applicants will be offered full training from a series of experts between June and July 2016. No previous art or performance experience necessary.

Further details here – deadline for Applications Friday 27th May

Artist Kasia Molga has designed a unique outfit that reacts to the breath of its wearers exposure to air pollution. Like a chameleon, the illuminated costumes change their colour and pattern according to the person’s exposure to differing air qualities. Other bio data collected from the wearer will be displayed on the project’s website and in public locations in Manchester. The project will culminate in a series of spectacular performances in July 2016, central Manchester.

The programme will provide an opportunity for volunteer students to take part in a bespoke series of art and science training on air pollution, public speaking and social media. They will also learn about wearable technology and data collection and analysis.

Timetable, availability and location

The training programme for successful applicants will run from Friday 17th June. You must be available for four workshops which take place on Friday 17th June and Saturdays 18th June, 25th June, 2nd July. Followed by approximately 5 rehearsals in July. It is essential you are available for rehearsals and the performance period 23nd–29th July
Workshop times will be 10am – 4/5pm. Lunch will be provided.
The workshops will be held in Central Manchester.

Expenses

These will be reimbursed for travel and lunch during participation.

Role Outline

Each student will work alongside a performer who will mentor them during the training. There will be opportunities for students to perform during the event should they wish or they will take on a support role to the performer. We won’t make you do anything you don’t want to do!

You will be expected to:

Attend and contribute to each workshop to prepare for the performance.
Promote the project through your peer group and local communities
Provide content for website and publicity during the build up to the performance
In addition to benefitting from a bespoke educational programme, you will be expected to actively promote and discuss the project in order to build an audience for the live performance in July.

We are looking for people who:

• Have a passionate interest in the environment, science and climate change, (not necessarily studying these areas of science).
• Are currently enrolled on science courses in further, or higher education (18 years old or over)
• Are keen to learn
• Are confident communicators and enjoy working with others
• Are interested in exploring new connections between science communication, art and performance
• Want to engage the public
• Are willing to promote the project and their involvement using social media and blog posts
• Are willing to undertake non-invasive tests that will reveal how the environment affects the human body and health

Further details of the project and training programme:

Pre-application questions to victoria@invisibledust.com
More info on the project invisibledust.com

Application

Please email a short description no longer than 300-word or 3 minute video to victoria@invisibledust.com explaining why you would like to be part of the programme, along with the name and email address of your course leader. Shortlisted candidates will be invited for skype or telephone interview. Selected participants will be notified by the end of May and provided with a detailed programme description.