Last year, Dr. Madeline Gannon, an artist also known as the “Robot Whisperer,” was commissioned by Knight Foundation to collaborate with Ye Jin Min, a classically trained violinist and New World Symphony fellow. The result of their collaboration was a mesmerizing multimedia installation that left audiences in awe, showcasing the transformative potential of integrating art and technology.
Collaborations like this are why Knight Foundation is optimistic about technology’s potential for significant impact on the arts. Knight has made a commitment to invest in deepening the integration of art and technology including five years of funding to support a series of open calls for artists through the Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund and Knight New Work. Knight New Work open call is for artists and arts organizations across all genres, aimed at deepening the creation, dissemination, and experience of art through the use of technology. The Knight Art + Tech Expansion Fund provides essential funding for the tools and infrastructure artists and arts organizations need to create and share their work. Eligibility is limited to those based in selected Knight cities (places that once hosted Knight newspapers).
Knight Foundation launched its inaugural Knight New Work open call in Miami in 2018. The response was remarkable, with winning projects including a theater production highlighting the Haitian immigrant experience; a nontraditional ballet blending Latin salsa, tango, and flamenco; immersive theater experiences; Afropunk aesthetics; and modern-classical fusions of song and dance. Beginning in 2023, Knight New Work expanded to include Detroit and Akron.
The Art + Tech Expansion Fund launched in Charlotte in 2022, and has since expanded to include Detroit, Akron, and Miami. The 2024 Art + Tech Expansion Fund launches this month in Charlotte, with Akron, Detroit, and Miami launching in the fall.
Artists and arts organizations interested in learning more about both open calls should visit kf.org/arts.
The foundation believes that arts and culture lie at the core of vibrant communities, connecting individuals to their surroundings and to one another. Investing in these areas is central to their mission to build stronger, better-informed, and more engaged communities, which are essential for a more effective democracy. Through its ongoing support, Knight continues to champion the integration of art and technology, fostering a future where innovation, creativity, and community thrive together.
KNIGHT FOUNDATION RELATED STORIES
▶ Knight Foundation’s Catalyst Forum Explores Digital Evolution in the Arts
▶ How Technology Enables Arts Institutions to Reach New Audiences and Expand Access to the Arts
▶ Bridging Art and Technology: Enhancing Human Experience and Building Community
