Writers and poets invited to apply for Studio Quantum London residency

Studio Quantum is an international artist-in-residence programme from the Goethe-Institut that aims to explore important cultural, ethical and ecological questions around the impact of quantum technologies through the lens of art.

In 2024, artist residencies in Germany, Ireland, Mexico, Netherlands, Nigeria, India, South Africa and the UK will connect artists and audiences with partners in technology, culture, science and education to foster an open dialogue on the topic of quantum technologies.

Science Gallery London is delighted to be the partner for the UK residency, and we are particularly looking for writers and/or poets interested in exploring the philosophical implications of quantum physics.

The successful artist will undertake a two-month residency in London from October - December 2024, and will collaborate with Dr James Millen from the Department of Physics at King’s College London.

What are the implications of seeing the invisible?

Often described as counterintuitive, weird or spooky, quantum physics can feel just as strange to those who work in the field as it does for those who are outside looking in. As far as we're aware, quantum physics is just the way nature works. So why does it feel strange to us as humans? Is it simply because it deals with the physics of very tiny things, or is there something more fundamentally inexplicable about the nature of quantum physics?

The world as we know it relies on quantum phenomena such as superposition and entanglement, which drive technologies such as GPS, the internet and MRI scanners. If such a key area of science is so poorly understood - not only by the public, but by experts in other walks of life - what does this mean for society at large? How would perceiving quantum effects at human scale change our perception of reality?

What you’ll receive

The successful artist will benefit from:

  • Artist honorarium - 4000 Euros for the 2 month residency

  • Artist production costs - up to 3000 Euros

  • Artist travel costs - up to 900 Euros

  • Accommodation at the Goethe Institut in London if required

How to apply

The Studio Quantum Open Call is now open - apply via the Goethe-Institut website here.

Deadline for applications: Sunday 11 February 2024

Writers and poets applying to the Studio Quantum artist-in-residence programme should:

  • Be resident in the UK.

  • Have an interest in technology and innovation, demonstrated through previous work.  

  • Be established in their practice  

  • Be interested in learning about or developing their understanding of quantum technologies 

  • Be motivated to work with experts and partners in cultural, educational and tech sectors  

  • Contribute to a new global network of experts, cultural partners, scientist and artists to share their findings/work in a professional setting  

  • Participate in one event (format to be confirmed) as part of their residency  

  • Be willing to participate in or contribute to a project showcase in Germany in November 2024 (this can include remote participation)  

  • Be proficient in English  

More information can be found on the Goethe-Institut UK website.