Problem Statement:

There is an urgent need to update the Great Acceleration graphs of the Anthropocene, integrate new indicators, and consider the feedbacks and correlations between Earth System processes and the rapid change in world-systems.      

Challenge description:

There is an urgent need to update the Great Acceleration graphs that were developed in the first decade of the 21st Century to articulate the research on the Anthropocene. The ultra-rapid intensification of human activities that mark the transition into the Anthropocene in the Mid-Twentieth Century has been identified as the Great Acceleration of a number of indicators of the Earth System and socio-economic factors by Will Steffen et al. in the ambit of the International Geosphere-Biosphere Program IGBP, and have since then been updated only a few times.

The multidisciplinary challenge is to move beyond the 12 initial graphs, designed to indicate how socio- economic trends and Earth System trends connect to shape the transition of the Earth into the Anthropocene. The clear-cut distinction needs to be surpassed, and more interconnections and feedbacks need to be inscribed into the graphs. A localised understanding of how the intensification of material, energy and information fluxes are shaping territories during the Anthropocene is substantial for all lines of work towards the UN Sustainable Development goals. New methodologies linking the arts, natural and social sciences, and technology can indicate paths to connect polities and democracies to critical data.

Residency characteristics:

Between art, technology and society: Ars Electronica is a creative ecosystem that enjoys a worldwide reputation. Founded in 1979, we annually celebrate the Ars Electronica Festival and award the renowned Prix Ars Electronica.

Our residencies have very individual formats. We adapt to the wishes and needs of the residents and provide support individually. Residents have access to the facilities at the Ars Electronica Center (such as the Bio Lab and the Material Lab) as well as to the vast partner network of Ars Electronica.

Our artistic partner is Territorial Agency. The outcome of the residency will be developed in collaboration with them and could take different formats and development methodologies. This will be developed during the residency, also in collaboration with the LCC members, who will accompany the process and provide feedback.

Residents are expected to arrange physical meetings with Territorial Agency, depending on the necessities of the project development. They are welcome to visit Ars Electronica during the residency and free to make use of the facilities, and expected to attend the Festival, where the outcomes will be presented.