Here you will find all the information you require if you are interested in being a Geek.
GEEK SELECTION PROCESS
The Geek has to tell us a bit about themselves, their interests and experience, and why they want to be a Geek in Residence. We also need some practical information, including where you’re based and whether you would be willing to work in a different city.
The Australia Council will then match Geek’s skills & experiences with the Hosts needs and desired goals. If you are shortlisted, you will then have the chance to talk to the Host organisation before a decision is made.
As a Geek you will need to be Australian based and demonstrate:
1. Skills, experience and confidence in the creative technical space, whether from making installations, online works, or device-driven applications.
2. Ability to share those skills with people of varying degrees of technological competence.
3. An understanding of the arts environment.
4. Initiative in driving change and overcoming obstacles.
5. Problem solving capabilities.
THE RESIDENCY
If you are selected, you will be working in a Host arts organisation in areas such as audience development (e.g. developing social networks), artistic programming (e.g. trying new types of artistic digital practice as they relate to the Host's core activity) and internal operations (e.g. enhancing internal networks or processes).
The Host organisation will be paying approximately half the cost of the placement. The Australia Council will subsidise placements up to a capped amount of $25,000. The period of the residency can be flexible but will likely not exceed six months.
Whilst the salary will be negotiated, an indicative full time range would be $60,000-$100,000 per annum, pro rata. For example, a six month placement would pay $30,000-$50,000, with the Host paying around half.
Once selected, you will work together with your Host to generate a detailed project plan. This should include:
• start and end dates
• working hours (full/part time)
• payment schedule
• schedule for target areas (artistic programming, market development and operations)
• mutually agreed outcomes
During the process, there will be regular meetings between the Australia Council and both the Geek and Host. The Geeks will form a support network to exchange ideas and experiences. A group of expert mentors will be available should any situations require extra knowledge.
At the end of the process, both parties will be asked to write a report outlining the overall experience. You will reflect on your original desired outcomes to see if they were achieved. A shift might occur in the desired outcomes, but providing this has been discussed with us in advance, this is to be expected.
KEY DATES
18th December 5pm EDST - Applications close. (UPDATE: The deadline has been extended)
Mid January - Host conversations with shortlisted Geeks.
Early February - Detailed project plans completed.
Mid Feb / onwards - Residencies start.
End July - Residencies end.
APPLICATION
Please apply by completing the application form here. If you have questions, you might want to check here to see if they have already been asked/answered.
UPDATE: The 2009/2010 rounds for the Geek in Residence and Digital Culture Fund have closed. We will announce any further opportunities as soon as they are available.
