The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at RPI in Troy has announced today on its webiste and via Twitter, that performance artist Laurie Anderson has been named its first distinguished artist in residence, with a three-year term.
The announcement states: “The residency provides Anderson with wide access to space, technology, and support for creative experimentation, but as important, brings the artist into ongoing dialogue with students and faculty at Rensselaer.”
Anderson first worked on her art at EMPAC in 2009, when she was developing “Delusion,” a complex series of stories about longing, memory, and identity commissioned by the Vancouver 2010 Cultural Olympiad.
Anderson performed “Delusion” at EMPAC in October 2010.
“It’s such a great honor to be the first EMPAC distinguished artist-in-residence,” Anderson said in a written statement. “Working with the crack technical and production teams and having access to EMPAC’s spectacular spaces and resources is such a dream. I’m incredibly grateful for this opportunity.”
Michael Janairo 
She’s still alive, I thought Anderson died in irrelvancy years ago. Perfect selection to represent Shirley Jackson. Now Shirley has someplace she can go rattle her jewelry.
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I’m glad to read this…. I’ve only visited EMPAC rarely, and it’s been ages since I saw or heard any thing of Laurie Anderson’s. This residency arrangement will give me reason and occasion to do both.
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I wonder if Shirley Jackson will share her popcorn with her.
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What is EMPAC? I guess I’ll have to google it.
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Jill — I just added this tidbit to the post above “The Experimental Media and Performing Arts Center at RPI in Troy”
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That’s great! I think she invented experimental media. Can we count on public appearances? Does she want to hire an assistant? A gofer? Anything?
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Good news. EMPAC’s bookings have been pretty underwhelming with the exception of Bela Fleck’s African tour (I think that was at EMPAC, and sold out early). Perhaps Laurie A. will have an improving influence.
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