The Data and the Sovereign Residencies

The international residency project The Data and the Sovereign Residencies invites artists and theorists from Central and Eastern Europe to explore the relationship between technology and power in contemporary society. During the two-month residencies, taking place in Ljubljana, Prague, Tallinn, and as a virtual residency in Ukraine, participants will focus on how artificial intelligence and automation influence human decision-making and democratic processes. The project raises critical questions about the preservation of personal and national sovereignty in a surveillance society, where technology companies increasingly treat people as users and commodities.

The residency aims to create an environment where artists can deeply engage with these complex issues, collaborating with experts from technology, society, and the arts. Rather than seeking a single solution, the project encourages diverse approaches and the presentation of multiple perspectives on the question of technological sovereignty.

The residents’ work will first be presented at local hosting institutions and later showcased in a group exhibition at Galerie Rudolfinum in Prague. The program is fully funded, covering travel and accommodation expenses, a stipend, and production costs, allowing artists to fully focus on developing their projects.

The residency programme is open to artists and theorists from twenty Central and Eastern European countries, including the Baltic states, Caucasia, and the Balkans, provided they are from, residing in, or have citizenship in these countries. Each location offers unique opportunities: Ljubljana focuses on AI and network infrastructures, while Tallinn explores digitalisation and the development of cohesive enterprises. Across all locations, participants will have the chance to organise workshops and seminars and develop local networks.

The project emphasises the role of art in reflecting social change and critically examining technology, providing a platform for the development of new ideas and approaches.