Reflections of Rowan Ellis
I came to my Ping Pong residency with a research proposal to explore the growing interpersonal relationships developing between humans and AI through fictional writing. Before I arrived, I anticipated jamming my days full to the brim with work - that, after all, is what “making the most of an opportunity” looks like, right? An artistic treadmill of thinking and writing and, most importantly, producing. I came to Berlin with an existing voice in my head that dripped guilt and pressure into my ear. So often our worth as not just creatives, but human beings, is based on sheer productivity - but this worship of speed and efficiency was a life long lie I’d dispel during my time in Berlin.
My residency at Ping Pong has been nothing short of transformative; from the genuine and warm welcome, to the final goodbyes, this residency became an oasis of creative joy. While I came convinced I needed to maximise every second to prove myself, Jacqueline and the team instead pushed me towards exploration, play, rest, and depth. What emerged was a kind of personal syllabus of creative practice that I would not have had the time or chance to do anywhere else.
Exploring Berlin from the lens of my research was not wasted time I could have been diligently writing at the residence apartment, it was encouraged as important engagement with the unique history and current character of the city. I found myself immersed in the local writing and open mic scenes, connecting with other creatives, meeting up for discussions on our practice, and writing together. Putting aside my internal expectations and pressures led to far more moments of genuine inspiration, aided by thoughtful conversations with Jacqueline herself and the people she introduced me to.
A day spent exploring a forest became a connection between the neural networks of artificial intelligence and vast webs of mycelium. A trip to a historical museum became an experimental piece of science fiction about AI and the limits of its direct cultural experience. An evening spent listening to other artists perform at an open mic became - well, just an overwhelming feeling of connection and inspiration and awe - and that is just as important.
If you are contemplating applying for a residency at Ping Pong, I cannot recommend it highly enough. I have no doubt you will find exactly what you need here, even if you don’t yet realise what that is.
We are now accepting applications for Ping-Pong residencies in 2026.
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