Andrew Voegtline

Minneapolis artist Andrew Voegtline is the first recipient of a new grant that signals funders' interest in new media that blends multiple art forms with interactive technology. The grant is adminstered by Independent Filmmaker Project Minnesota (IFP) and funded by the McKnight Foundation.

Voegtline was awarded the $50,000 New Media Project Grant for "Digital Cities," which will use smartphone GPS and orientation capabilities to allow users to enjoy various types of art and music that coordinates with where they are actually walking. Voegtline says it's "like an electronic gallery integrated into our landscape."

He'll work with local artists including musician Holly Newsom and choreographer Stuart Pimsler to develop content. His idea beat out nine other finalists from a total pool of 58 applicants.