Synthesis

My initial thoughts:

Practically: 

1. I think one way to start this conversation would be to sketch out concrete ways in which individuals (from inside and outside ASU) are able to collaborate with Synthesis. The LCT took a crack at this with it's "micro-residency" program. I think SC and LCT should find ways to coordinate some of its micro-residencies. 

2. Pop-up MAs: LCT and Synthesis should direct rotating, theme-based MAs on critical and experimental practice. I don't know how this would work administratively --maybe it's a "stream" within DC? In any case, students would spend 2 yrs working through a "problem" with the goal of developing some experimental concepts. These problems would also fit in with--and significantly transform--ASUs innovation/problem-solution mission, etc. Example problems: "Excess and Scarcity," "Gestural Economies," "Non-anthropocentric Design," "Nonhuman Performativity."

Of course we can and should apply for a grant to do this, but couldn't we prototype some version of this via some good old fashion labor of love? Let's be scrappy :) We'd also demonstrate proof of product for future grants. 

As an SC-LCT joint venture, we'd be carving out an incredibly unique and robust way for critical and experimental collaboration through education and mentorship.

The pop-up MA would also feed SC-LCT micro-residencies: we attract visiting scholars/professors based on the theme. 

There is a precedent for this kind of thing in Amsterdam @ The Sandberg Institute (a part of the world-famous Gerrit Rietveld Academie): http://sandberg.nl/  (see: Temporary Programs)

One draw for students would be attending the Paris Design Workshop that Xin Wei and I will be teaching at this summer and in future years. We could build it into the program. This is what Barbara Formis and I have been chatting about! 

Thoughts?

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