The Australia Council for the Arts is to fund a collaborative artist residency in the 3D online virtual world of Second Life. A virtual environment created by US company Linden Lab, Second Life allows 'residents' to explore an online world that is more than 42,000 acres in real-world scale using alter egos called ‘avatars’. Australia Council chief executive officer Kathy Keele is ‘excited about this opportunity for Australian artists to explore the social, aesthetic, political and cultural characteristics of this dynamic platform.’ ‘Second Life offers artists the perfect space to explore a virtual environment and test new ways of creating art. There is already a vibrant arts community in Second Life – with thousands of artists creating works in the digital realm – and we are keen to help build Australia’s representation.’ ‘There are so many possibilities for writers and artists to explore in Second Life that I expect we’ll see the successful applicants creating some excellent groundbreaking art in the process.’ For more information, CLICK HERE