Open Call for expressions of interest: Socially engaged artist development project
Deadline: Friday 11 January 2019, midday
Programme Committee member Sarah Stamp has commissioned Lady Kitt as lead artist for a commission exploring ways of taking a socially engaged approach to creative practice.
We are looking for expressions of interest for a number of artists to work alongside Kitt on the project: this is a professional development opportunity where you will also have the opportunity to support the lead artist in a hands-on way.
We are keen to hear from artists or creative practitioners across any discipline who would like to gain more experience of working with people in a socially engaged way. Prior experience is not necessary, but please outline in your expression of interest your specific interest in working in this way.
There will be a stipend of £200 to support your involvement. Taking part in the project is flexible, but we suggest a minimum requirement of one full day and two workshops with Lady Kitt.
The professional development sessions will be shaped by the needs of the artists involved. We anticipate they will include; mentoring from the lead artist; workshops to address skills gaps; talks from experienced professionals both within and outside the arts.
Supporting artists will also be involved in working alongside the lead artist on the commission to explore the role of social practice, and some of the issues involved in working this way.
Eligibility
This opportunity is suitable for artists at any stage of their career who want to gain experience of social practice, and develop their approach to working in a more socially engaged way.
We welcome applications from everywhere, but may prioritise local applicants as there is unfortunately no transport budget. Please get in touch if you are not local and want advise on applying for travel grants.
There is no minimum level of experience for this opportunity – all applications will be considered.
Commission Themes
The project focuses on alternative ways to communicate, engage and work with people in a non-hierarchical way. It focuses on the role arts participation plays as one of the growing number of practices or activities which are looked to in order to support health and wellbeing and address social inequalities. It will find out what room there is for art that isn’t just a solution for perceived problems.
The project will be developed and delivered in public spaces across Newcastle upon Tyne, and will practically focus on how to work with people – so please apply if this is what you;d like to do within your art practice.
There is no specific context of issue for the project to address, but it will be developed and executed in public places in Newcastle.
How to apply
We are asking for initial expressions of interest to include
- A brief CV (up to one page of A4)
- A covering letter (up to one page of A4) detailing
- who you are
- where you are based
- what your interest in the opportunity is and why you are keen to learn more about socially engaged art practice
- your own definition (up to 100 words) of social practice/art that involves the public.
- Your availability between Jan–March and your typical work/life patterns.
- A selection of examples of past work (up to one page of A4)
Please send the above to The NewBridge Project’s Artist Development Coordinator, Dan Russell via d.russell@thenewbridgeproject.com by Friday 11 January, Midday.
Dates
The project will commence in January 2019 with a meal at the lead artist’s house, and run until March 2019. Kitt will be working on the project for 14 days across this period.
Key Dates:
Friday 11 January, Midday: Deadline for expressions of interest
Monday 14 January: You will be informed if you have been successful
Friday 18 / Saturday 19 January: Initial session and meal with Lady Kitt
19 January – 23 March: 14 days throughout this period when the activity will take place (you must attend at least one of these) which will be planned in response to successful applicants availability.
Saturday 23 March: Closing event
Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Dan if you have any questions in the meantime. Good luck!
