Grants
Backslash awards grants to practicing artists recognized by Backslash as producing exceptionally backslash work in the field – work that collides art with tech in unique, surprising, unconventional and exciting ways. Backslash Artists receive honoraria to pursue projects and engage with Cornell Tech faculty and students.
Currently, applications are closed.
Award Details
As a Backslash Artist, the artist is awarded:
Appointment.
The artist receives a one-year Visiting Artist appointment at Cornell Tech, beginning in September at the start of academic year. Note that this fellowship recognizes the artist themself and is an individual appointment at Cornell, not a contractual agreement with the artist’s studio.
Honorarium.
The artist receives a stipend in recognition of their commitment to pursue a new collaborative work engaging contemporary technology.
Faculty home.
The artist receives several hours of remote or in-person consulting on their project from a relevant faculty member.
Campus access.
The artist has badged access to campus for the term of the appointment, making it easy to meet with faculty, attend events, or just hang out on campus.
Artist Responsibilities
Show the work.
Translating research to impact is central to Cornell Tech’s ethos. A goal of this award is to make a work the artist is excited to show, that makes a difference to their practice, and that is a contribution to the field. Backslash will help to show the work on Cornell Tech’s campus, if possible. In addition, the artist should arrange to show the work through their own channels, e.g., at an upcoming show, in response to a biennial invitation, etc. It may also be possible for Backslash to help arrange or coordinate opportunities.
Engage with the campus.
Backslash Artists must engage students at least once during their tenure. Backslash staff can help facilitate these opportunities. This could include:
- speaking at a class or independent lecture on campus
- exhibiting work on campus
- attending/participating in a campus event
Assist with documentation.
The artist will document their work for the Backslash website.
Be backslash.
This grant should represent something new, nonlinear, unconventional, unexpected, adventurous, intense, questionable – for the artist’s practice, for the field – any or all these are symptoms of being backslash.