A centerpiece of the program will be an artist residency that brings artists for extended stays on campus to work with students and organize exhibits and other events, including public lectures. Caltech has previously hosted artists including Israeli programmer and poet Eran Hadas and LA-based visual artist Sarah Rara, but never as part of a long-term program. “There have been these examples of artists-in-residence from the past, but what’s coming up represents a much longer-term commitment to visual culture by the Institute,” says Hillary Mushkin, research professor of art and design in mechanical and civil engineering, who co-directs Caltech’s data visualization program and is involved in shaping the artist-in-residence program. “This will be an opportunity to bring in numerous artists to develop deeper conversations and collaborations and cross-pollinate ideas.”