The Delta (Δ) Research Placement

The Delta (Δ) Research Placement is open to artists to undertake a period of remote research with the John Latham Archive and to develop a digital project for a new experimental online platform for FTHo. Two selected artists will each be offered a fee of £1000. Artists should be able to undertake research in August and September with the aim of a digital outcome able to launch online in October or November.

They accept applications from artists based in the UK and internationally. The organisers are keen to receive applications from artists who live outside of Greater London, or can otherwise outline why they may find it difficult to access the physical archive at FTHo either due to access needs, caring responsibilities or other reasons that can be expressed in the application.

John Latham proposed that the universe was structured by time and event rather than space and object. He used the term ‘delta’, the Greek letter symbolising change, as an alternative measure of value. Latham states, ‘It is convenient to describe a Delta unit as referring to a unit of attention’. For Latham, time spent engaged with a subject was a more appropriate guide to value than object or monetary value.

Artists will work from their own home or studio but will have the support of the FTHo team for research with both the digitised, and physical, John Latham Archive. In response to changing social distancing guidelines it may be possible for selected artists to visit the physical archive at FTHo, if so desired, however we aim to provide effective support for complete research to happen remotely. The successful artists will have dedicated time working with an experienced and supportive team to develop an online outcome that creatively reflects their research. They will work with digital producers Matthew de Kersaint Giraudeau and Rob Smith who will provide support throughout the placement, including coding. As such existing digital skills or experience working with online platforms is not required. They are open to all art-forms and are looking for research proposals that demonstrate the potential to develop new engagements with digital spaces and present original outcomes.

The two projects will launch a new digital platform for FTHo that aims to make their research and resources accessible to a wider audience. The completed project will be accompanied by a launch event, and successful artists will have the opportunity to contribute to the public programme and record an in-discussion podcast. FTHo is seeking statements of interest from artists that demonstrate a willingness to experiment and are sympathetic to the framework of this commission. Complete project proposals are not necessary. For example, a statement of interest could be focused on a subject area such as: the attention economy; time and temporality; the role of the artist; art and science; language; value and belief systems –reflecting the programming of FTHo or an affinity for the work and ideas of John Latham.Applicants are asked to think originally about how a period of study with the archive could contribute to their practice and expand their pre-existing interests and research.

Deadline for applications is Monday July 20, 2020 at 1pm. To apply please send to [email protected] single pdf no larger than 10MB containing the following:

• Statement of Interest (500 word max): Please outline why you feel this placement would be beneficial to your practice. Using the context of the John Latham Archive as a reference what themes are you interested in researching. How will the proposed research draw on your pre-existing interests?
• Artist statement (300 word max)
• Please outline the reasons you may usually find it difficult to access the physical archive at FTHo (For example you live outside of Greater London, have access needs, caring responsibilities or can outline another reason). (Optional, 200 word max)
• Images of recent works or links to work hosted online (max 5)
• CV including contact details and home address
• A completed equal opportunities and diversity monitoring form available to download here