"In order to do interdisciplinary work, it is not enough to take a ‘subject' (a theme) and to arrange two or three sciences around it. Interdisciplinary study consists in creating a new object, which belongs to no-one"
Camera Lucida: Reflections on Photography
Roland Barthes. 1981
The Interdisciplinary Support Programme (ISP) explored the creative possibilities arising from collaboration across disciplines - artistic, curatorial, technological and industrial by supporting joint research projects between creative individuals in Birmingham and other industries across the West Midlands. One of the main objectives of the programme was to blur and push the boundaries of what is traditionally considered to be media arts practice, by placing emphases on practice led research collaboration and cross disciplinary activity through risk taking and experimentation.
Throughout its duration, ISP worked with 15 individuals in the development of 11 very different projects, ranging from more traditional methods of art production including film and video, sculpture and installation to newer methods of working, which have only recently been exploited by artists, for instance rapid prototyping.
VIVID will showcase the research from each of these projects in a fast paced series of presentations running from February to September 2007. Presentations will take place at VIVID's exhibition space and a variety of offsite locations.
To find out more about each individual ISP project, follow the links underneath the pictures in the left hand column.
Programme Timetable, Feb - Sep 2007
Click on the artists' names in red to find out more about their projects, exhibitions and events
Sian Evans - Consuming Passions
20 Feb 1-5pm, £10/£7 at VIVID
(Booking essential - email: info@vivid.org.uk)
Food Film Club, 6-10pm, Rooty Fruity at The Custard Factory
Karin Kihlberg & Reuben Henry
21 Feb - 3 Mar (preview 21 Mar 6-8pm)
Katy Connor & Helena Gough
21- 31 Mar (preview 21 Mar 6-8pm)
Steve Bulcock & Sean O'Keeffe
11 - 21 Apr (preview 11 Apr 6-8pm)
Ian Upton, Ravi Deepres
2-12 May (preview 2 May 6-8pm)
Juneau/Projects/, Kate Pemberton, Harminder Singh Judge
23 May-2 Jun (preview 23 May 6-8pm)
Colin Pearce & Ranbir Lal
May - Sep (event 23 May 4-5.30pm)
As part of the Festival of Extreme Buildings, Albert Street, Birmingham, B4 7LN
Programme History
ISP was launched in November 2005 with eight projects selected from an open call for submissions.
The participants attended an intensive three-day launch programme which consisted of project briefs, artist and mentor presentations, group discussion, skills development sessions and networking events. This introduction to the programme served to kick-start the collaborations and cohesiveness of the larger group.
Each participant received a tailor made programme of support appropriate to their needs, including mentoring, technical facilitation, and access to studio and presentation space. Critical discourse and network development were key to the group dynamics and at regular intervals the 15 participants met in workshop situations to showcase and discuss their projects.
A second intensive mentoring programme took place in May 2006 to consolidate progress and reflect on the learning process to date. Three new projects were initiated from a second round of applications.
Follow the links in the left hand column to find out more about each project.
