Exploring human relationships with technology

We are inviting applications from Black women and non-binary music creators based in the South West to participate in our 2023 Artist Development Project. This year’s programme centres on a paid commission to create a musical work exploring the relationship between humans and technology. Technology is interpreted broadly—it could mean your phone, a kettle, or even ‘natural’ technology such as herbal medicines. Since the first stone tools, humans have lived in a push-and-pull relationship with technology, shaping it as much as it shapes us. This brief invites you to examine these dynamics, the opportunities and challenges they present, and to encourage more intentional and inclusive ways of engaging with technology in the future. No prior technological knowledge is required, and the brief is not intended to restrict your creativity.

About the Theme

To inspire creative thinking, our Artist & Label Coordinator, Hari, has compiled a list of audio-based art projects that explore the intersection of humans and technology:

• The Voice of a Lost God Returns by Danielle Brathwaite-Shirley – An investigation into building mythology around Trans spirituality and love, combining live music, painting, game development, web design, and augmented reality to archive the lives of Black Trans people.
• Protopia Dreams (Rest) by Monika Bielskyte, Studio Dosage, Sarahsson, Delaram Kamareh, and Nyksa – A speculative future envisioning rest and sensuality outside colonial and cis-hetero-normative bounds, featuring queer bodies in harmony with the living world. The soundtrack includes contributions from Saffron Springboard participant Sarahsson.
• Acts I & II by Seigfried Komidashi – A 26-minute found-footage and rap piece inspired by a hoax email about a Nigerian cosmonaut trapped in space, critiquing how technology has transformed personal lives and the political sphere.
• Called to Respond by Shenece Oretha – An online participatory performance created during a residency at Cell Project Space Gallery, offering an interactive breathing space through sounds, words, and moving images.

Support

Saffron’s 2023 Artist Development Programme is supported by the PRS Foundation as part of its Talent Development Partner network.