Michael F. Bergmann selected for Ferment AI Residency
As The Creative School works to develop future leaders and disruptors in media and design, one instructor leads by example as he explores new ways of combining technology and performance.
School of Performance Faculty Member and “techno-optimist” Michael F. Bergmann is one of eight artists chosen from a wide range of practices, to participate in Ferment AI’s six-month residency. Featuring one-on-one mentorship, an individualized learning plan, and opportunities to develop and follow through on their prototypes, this residency focuses on skill development in creating artificial intelligence (AI) works, interactive prototyping, and research around the implications of automated systems on culture.
AI has been an underlying aspect behind my thinking and work around digital performance. In this residency, I’m seeking foundational skills in utilizing AI systems, and a sense of what is possible.
Through Ferment AI, he will explore Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), and the possibilities of GPT-3 (a new AI system that is better able to produce human-like text and language).
From September to December, Michael and his cohort will work one-on-one with Ferment AI mentors to shape their personalized learning plans, while connecting with their fellow creators to imagine all the possibilities of the technologies under consideration. Some of the mentors include Heidi Boisvert (Director of the Emerging Media Technology program at the NYC College of Technology, Founder & CEO of futurePerfect Lab, Co-Founder of XTH), Noah Levenson (“Hacker in Residence” at Consumer Reports Digital Lab, developer of Free Food), John Fass (Leader of MA User Experience Design at London College of Communication), and Monika Bielskyte (VR Developer, Founder of ALLFUTUREEVERYTHING).
Michael expressed his curiosity about how AI is perceived, and looks to break down some of the barriers of fear and misuse. “I feel that I can contribute to that dialogue through performance.”
Break a leg, Michael! We look forward to seeing the creations that come out of this residency.