Audio-visual Performance in the Age of Social Distancing (Advert Reference: RDF21/ADSS/DES/GIBSON)

Performance of all types has experienced an obvious crisis in our present situation of social distancing. With live venues closed, or limited to a very small number of audience members, live performance is currently experiencing very challenging circumstances. This PhD will respond to this challenge by proposing solutions to the issue of live performance in a socially distanced world. With virtual and other options providing possible sites for alternate experience of performance, the successful candidate will explore practice-based solutions to the present socially distanced situation.

We are interested in a broad array of topics related to live performance in a socially distanced world, but we are particularly interested in how various forms of live-audio visuals might be represented in virtual and/or augmented reality. The medium of audio-visual performance spans areas as diverse as live audio-visual spectacles by major music artists such as Björk and Nine Inch Nails, DV/VJ performance in clubs, live cinema productions by groups such as the Light Surgeons, and the broader medium of interactive and live digital art. In the current climate post-Covid, much of the audio-visual performance world has ground to a halt. This PhD will ideally offer direct outcomes for how to reasonably revive audio-visual performance in a socially distanced world.

This funded PhD research project will build in part on the past work of our AHRC funded Research Network on Real-time Visuals, as well as our Leonardo Electronic Almanac and upcoming Routledge book on the same topic (see publications below). The successful candidate will be able to outline innovative ways of looking at audio-visual theory and production, with a focus on virtual and other solutions to the question of audience engagement in audio-visual performance. In addition, the successful candidate will be able to evidence an on-going practice in the area of audio-visual performance, programming, or content creation, and will be conversant in new interfaces for enhancing audio-visual interaction in real-time. A particularly desired area of interest would be in virtual environments as a platform for audience engagement with audio-visual performance.

Possible general topics include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. The virtualisation of Audio-Visual performance.
2. The role of audience in Live Audio-Visuals, and in particular solutions for socially distanced engagement with Audio-Visual performance.
3. The use of new interfaces for interaction with Audio-Visuals in real-time, and in particular for immersion in virtual performance experiences.

The ideal applicant will have an MA or MFA in media art, interaction design, music technology, performing arts, or an MSc in computer science. Researchers/practitioners who can bridge two or more of the above disciplines will be particularly well placed to apply for this doctoral studentship.

The supervisor for this project is Dr Steve Gibson.

Eligibility and How to Apply:
Please note eligibility requirement:
• Academic excellence of the proposed student i.e. 2:1 (or equivalent GPA from non-UK universities [preference for 1st class honours]); or a Masters (preference for Merit or above); or APEL evidence of substantial practitioner achievement.
• Appropriate IELTS score, if required.
• Applicants cannot apply for this funding if currently engaged in Doctoral study at Northumbria or elsewhere.

For further details of how to apply, entry requirements and the application form, see
https://www.northumbria.ac.uk/research/postgraduate-research-degrees/how-to-apply/

Please note: Applications that do not include a research proposal of approximately 1,000 words (not a copy of the advert), or that do not include the advert reference (e.g. RDF21/ADSS/DES/GIBSON) will not be considered.

Deadline for applications: 29 January 2021
Start Date: 1 October 2021

Northumbria University takes pride in, and values, the quality and diversity of our staff. We welcome applications from all members of the community.