Matter and Code
An artist residency exploring the use of digital tools in drawing, painting and sculpture.
Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico | Residency 2027
- Modeling
- 3D scanning
- 3D printing
- Generative art
- Digital painting
The residency
Matter and Code is a program developed by the Centro de Residencias de Investigación Artística (CRIA) and Logic Kernel in Ensenada, Baja California. It is open to artists with an established practice in drawing, painting or sculpture who wish to incorporate digital tools into their work or pursue further research and production with them.
Residents spend up to two months developing an individual project. The program offers two pathways: introducing digital processes into artistic practice, and research and production with digital processes. The artist’s existing practice and research questions guide the work.
CRIA provides artistic guidance, while Logic Kernel contributes technical support. Working methods are determined by the project’s objectives and the resources available.
Two application pathways
- 01
Introducing digital processes into artistic practice
For artists with experience in drawing, painting or sculpture who wish to incorporate digital tools into their work. Residents develop an individual proposal with support to identify and explore relevant processes. Previous digital experience is not required.
- 02
Research and production with digital processes
For artists who already use digital tools and wish to develop a research or production project. Proposals should explain which aspects of their practice they aim to develop further and what artistic guidance, technical collaboration or resources they need.
Applicants choose a pathway according to the aims of their project. Each proposal is assessed in relation to the artist’s practice, its objectives and its feasibility within the residency.
Working process
- 01
Artistic and technical support
Residents work with both teams to identify tools that can contribute to their research and the development of their work.
- 02
Project planning
Each proposal is reviewed to establish objectives and a feasible work plan for the residency. The scope and terms of use of any project-specific technical development must be agreed in advance.
- 03
Access to resources
Projects are planned around the equipment and materials available. Additional requirements are assessed before they become part of the work plan.
- 04
Presentation of results
The format for presenting and promoting the results must be agreed with each resident, along with any requirements for delivering work or leaving it at CRIA.
Areas of practice
- 01
Developing forms in clay and other materials, with the option of working through digital modeling as well.
- 02
Digitizing artworks and objects for documentation, study or further development in a digital environment.
- 03
Producing physical pieces from digital models, subject to the equipment and materials available.
- 04
Exploring images and forms through rule-based systems and programming. The use of artificial intelligence models is assessed according to each project’s needs.
- 05
Developing images with digital tools and exploring their relationship to the artist’s painting practice.
Projects may combine several of these areas, depending on their aims and technical feasibility.
Open call 2027
- Eligibility
- Artists with demonstrated experience in drawing, painting or sculpture. The introductory pathway welcomes applicants without digital experience; the research and production pathway is for artists who already use digital tools. Open to all ages and nationalities.
- Duration
- One- or two-month residencies at CRIA in Ensenada, Baja California.
- Application period
- October 2026 to January 2027.
Develop a project grounded in your artistic practice and explore digital tools that can contribute to its realization.
Review the residency terms and submit your proposal.
Apply →