Second Life's Ars Virtua Gallery and New Media Center has an artist-in-residence program, and they're now seeking submissions from both established and emerging artists to work within the World of Warcraft environment. The selected artist receives a $400 stipend, training and mentorship from the Center, and his or her work will receive an exhibition in Second Life and on the web.

According to the program, "Ars Virtua Artist-in-Residence (AVAIR) is an extended performance that examines what it means to reside in a place that has no physical location. The purpose of the residency is to reflect on the nature of the game environment and terrestrial world in the context of contemporary art."

The AVAIR program is aimed at examining "space, place and metaphor," and encourages new artists to challenge traditional ideas about art using new technology and social media. Artists applying for the residency are encouraged to check out the WoW world and "be prepared to evolve in response to the synthetic world."

Applications and letters of interest are due January 15th, and following an interview process, the official announcement of the winning entrant will take place on January 21st.

[Via Networked Performance]