DIY 2020: call-out for proposals
We’re pleased to confirm that our DIY 2020 commission in partnership with LADA (Live Art Development Agency) is going ahead!
In response to the ongoing COVID-19 crisis the deadline for applications has been extended by two weeks (new deadline: 12noon, Thursday 9 April 2020).
To Apply
Head to LADA’s website to access the application form and to find further information https://bit.ly/3bpWDeL
DIY is an opportunity for artists working in Live Art to conceive and run professional development projects for other artists.
This commission will take place during our Autumn season, themed around “Age and Ageing”. If this is a topic in your work, an important part of your practice or an interest based on personal experience then this could be an ideal opportunity to work with like-minded peers.
DIY is a national project done in collaboration with host partners from across England and the selection process is done together. We cannot prioritise artists from any geographical area but would really like to see more artists from the northwest apply!
But what counts as Live Art?
It can encompass anything and everything from performance in front of an audience, to socially engaged collaboration and experimental work that makes use of spaces in new and unusual ways. It’s important to us here at Lancaster Arts to support the professional development of artists based in the local area and Lancashire more widely, so if your practice fits and you would benefit from £1600 to put together a tailored professional development workshop for you and your peers apply now!
How has DIY worked before?
In 2019 we worked with Manchester based artist and producer Jenny Gaskell who describes her work as ‘a combination of producing, performance, participation and pratting about’, and for DIY developed a residency and workshop based around contemporary ways of feeling connected without subscribing to problematic wellness initiatives, or appropriating from faith practices; ‘Is there spirituality in daydreaming out of bus windows and is there a bonding ritual in sharing chips. Can we consider these things sacred?’
Any stipulations?
In these incredibly challenging times we encourage artists to think boldly and creatively about what a professional development workshop might look like in the context of social isolation/distancing. How might we support each other and continue to nurture artistic and professional development in these difficult times?
Although by no means a requirement, we encourage artists to think about and respond to this ongoing global pandemic in their proposal.
About DIY
Most professional development schemes are conceived by ‘arts professionals’ and tend not to be geared to the eclectic and often unusual needs of artists whose practices are grounded in challenging and unconventional approaches, forms and concepts. We aim to promote ideas for exciting, innovative and idiosyncratic Live Art professional development projects that offer something different.
The first DIY was run in 2002, and since 2007 has been a national initiative. In 2017 and 2018, an additional programme of DIY enhancements was supported by Jerwood Charitable Foundation, enabling the participation of artist-led collectives as partners, follow-on funds for projects born in DIYs, and a number of more ambitious, better resourced projects.
To Apply
Head to LADA’s website to access the application form and to find further information https://bit.ly/3bpWDeL. Alternatively, you can get in touch with Lancaster Arts via producers@lancasterarts.org
