Call for Performing Artists Working in South Asian Arts
Wednesday 24th November 2010
• Would you like to participate in a research project with sampad?
• Are you interested in exploring how the arts can incorporate digital technology?
• Would you like to develop your skills in working internationally?
Over the last twenty years sampad has grown in strength in terms of developing new audiences, delivering professional development programmes for artists and professionals, and ensuring that South Asian arts has a visible platform in Birmingham and beyond. As part of the planned development of the organisation we aim to broaden how we work digitally across not only the artistic programme, but also in relation to education and outreach, audience engagement and development, and how we work operationally. As part of this goal we want to actively demonstrate that sampad is as much about South Asian arts and audience development as it is about innovation and benchmarking.
To achieve this we will work with Medialab Prado (MLP), an organisation based in Madrid that is amongst the leaders in the field of developing programmes for interdisciplinary work between artists, computer programmers, designers and engineers. MLP is increasingly developing the talent of creative individuals who are now showcasing product at international markets. This is due to the high level of expertise within the organisation, the network it is part of, and the new creative and cultural landscapes that it is involved with developing.
Sampad will be running a study visit programme for a number of sampad and mac staff, as well as a number of external creative practitioners with an interest and appreciation of South Asian arts to undertake research into how the sector can better engage with digital technology. We anticipate that the study visits will take place between end of Jan – November 2011 and we’re particularly looking for performing artists, producers, and associated creative practitioners to apply to be part of the research project.
On behalf of sampad, MLP will host 15 placements staggered between January and November 2011. We will work with MLP in advance of the placement period to establish the placement dates, evaluation, dissemination and recommendation setting.
The project is funded by the Leonardo Mobility programme which supports the development of skills and training. It funds work placements for trainees, workers and staff, and supports European projects to discuss common issues or develop training materials, courses and frameworks.
What you would need to commit to
• Undertake 5 × 2 hour linguistic preparation classes
• Undertake a two week work placement sometime between January to July (tbc)
• Write a case study and participate in a research evaluation
• Participate in personal and sector development
What is in it for you
• Learn new understanding of how organisations incorporate technology
• Acquire new language skills
• Gain sector knowledge from a different country
• Make new friends and contacts
If you’re interested, to apply you can
• Read through the handbook (particularly parts 1 to 4)
• Read through and complete the application form answering all of the questions
• Submit your application (email and hard copy) by 12 noon Monday 13 December.
If you have a responsible attitude and are interested in participating in this initiative you’ll find an application form and handbook attached. You’ll need to refer to the handbook (particularly parts 1 – 4) to complete the application. The application form is short, but will be used as part of the research process. Deadline Monday 13 December.
If you would like to find out more or if you have any questions please contact Clayton Shaw on 0121 446 3271 or email clayton@sampad.org.uk
