Applications are due February 19, 2010

The A2 MechShop artist in residence project is an opportunity for an artist to work at the A2 MechShop over the course of three weeks to create art that is inspired by, incorporates, or is produced by technology.  For example, created artwork might incorporate electronics for light, movement, or other control.  MechShop members will provide some support in terms of consultation on engineering, electronics, programming, operation of machine tools, etc., but the artist should be aware that this is a working environment and each member will also have their own work.

Use of tools will be limited by the ability of the artist to use them safely, permission from the owner of the tool, and being briefed on their specific operation.  Note that some tools may require extensive training for operation (e.g., some types of welding), and this may not be feasible during the brief residence period.  Some materials may be provided by the shop, but in general artists should expect to supply their own.  (We can assist in identifying local sources.) Space at the shop is limited, so large-scale artwork may be problematic.

A partial list of technologies and tools at the MechShop are:
Electronics:  embedded controllers, programming, sensors, electromechanical (servos, motors, solenoids), circuit board design, analog circuitry.
Metalworking:  Lathes, milling machines (manual & CNC), drill press, welding (TIG, MIG, oxy-acetylene, spot), riveting, sheet metal cutting/bending/rolling, grinding.
Miscellaneous:  Laser engraver/cutter, pantograph engraving/milling.
CAD/CAM.

Applications are due February 19, 2010.  Applicants may be invited for an interview at the shop.  The initial artist will be selected the week of March 1, 2010.  The three week period will be scheduled with the artist and will be between March 1 and April 30, 2010.  All applicants will be contacted by email.

To apply, please email us the following information:
1.  Your name and email address.
2.  What you want to do during the residency.
3.  Photos (electronic, as attachments) or links to current work.
4.  Your experience using the types of tools/materials/processes you want to use.
5.  The weeks during the period March 1 – April 30 you would be available.

 Send your application to info@a2mechshop.com.
 Subject to our availability, brief tours of the shop may be available.  Please contact us at the above email if interested.

If accepted, the artist will need to supply us with address, phone number(s), and must sign a liability waiver.  Depending on the nature of the artwork produced, we’d like to be able to display an image of the created artwork in the shop and on our website.
Access to the shop for the artist in residence is during normal business hours when a member is in, but after hours access may be possible.

No stipend is provided.  The artist is entirely responsible for their own costs.

About the A2 MechShop:  We are a coworking facility for entrepreneurial engineers located on the west side of Ann Arbor, Michigan.  Seven different businesses, mostly one or two person, have private offices surrounding a shared machine shop floor.  We share knowledge and tools in a friendly and technically-oriented environment.  The A2 MechShop was started in November 2008.

Bob Stack
www.rightbrainfab.com
www.a2mechshop.com