OPENLab 2014
OPENLab 2014 will take place over 10 days from 18 July – 27 July 2014 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein alongside the Vryfees festival. It will also involve a weeklong studio held at Map (Modern art projects) - South Africa, Richmond in the Northern Cape.
Up to 15 Artists from across South Africa will participate in the Lab, lead by national and international facilitators. The opportunity is open to creative practitioners working in the visual arts, performance, architecture, fashion, dance, new media, sound art, design, community arts and other creative pursuits.
Participating artists will explore new approaches to site based practices working across different communities, disciplines and geographical contexts. The emphasis is on participation, critical thinking, discussion and the creation of new ideas.
OPENLab is a place for free experimentation and open dialogue. It is a nurturing, supportive and responsive space for artists and facilitators to share, exchange and challenge each other.
Facilitators
Paul Gazzola (AUS, Interdisciplinary Artist & Curator), Techa Noble (AUS, Designer & Artist), Jay Pather (SA, Artist, Curator & Educator)
Guest Facilitators
Godfrey Manenye (SA, Performer & Choreographer), Phillipa Tumubeinee (SA, Architect & Designer), Nadia Cusimano (AUS, Performer & Dramaturge)
International Speakers
Bec Dean (AUS, Curator & Writer), Lee-Ann Buckskin (AUS, Artist & Educator)
Activities include
Exploring spaces for performance and installation; interdisciplinary collaboration; concept development; audience interactivity and intercultural dialogue. OPENLab is an investment in future thinking, creative networks and professional development.Successful applicants to the OPENLab 2014 will
- Attend Arts Lab from 18 July – 27 July 2014 in Bloemfontein and Richmond
- Participate in artist talks and forum
- Receive tickets to Vryfees festival events
- Be provided with travel (when appropriate), accommodation and meals
TIMELINE
Applications Open: Monday 7 April 2014 (4 weeks only)
Applications Due: Midnight, Monday 5 May 2014
Arts Lab: 18 July – 27 July 2014
Applications Announced on website: Monday 2 June 2014
For more information please carefully read the CRITERIA and FAQs part of this website before you download the application form and APPLY.
For all enquiries please contact
OPENLab: 2014
Angela de Jesus
Curator
Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery
University of the Free State
E:
T: (051) 401-2706
Eligibility
Applicants must be South African citizens or have permanent resident status in South Africa. As this is an opportunity for Early and Mid Career Artists, applicants must be practicing artists or creative practitioners.
While you may not regularly earn income from your practice, you must be identified and recognised by your peers as practicing artists or creative practitioners. (See FAQ’s in the website for more details).
OPENLab 2014 has been developed by curators, designers and artists Paul Gazzola, Carli Leimbach, Lynda Roberts, Tècha Noble and Jay Pather as part of the inaugural Program for Innovation in Artform Development (PIAD). It is a new initiative assisted by the Australian Government through the Australia Council of the Arts, the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF), the Vryfees and University of the Free State. It is aimed at establishing an open platform for creativity, innovation and exchange between Australian and South African artists and their contexts.
*The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (NLDTF) in South Africa has contributed generously to the OPENLab. The NLDTF relies on funds for the proceeds of the National Lottery. The Lotteries Act and regulations guide the way in which NLDTF funding may be allocated.
The NLDTF wants the grants to make a difference to the lives of all South Africans, especially those more vulnerable, and to improve the sustainability of the beneficiary organisations. Available funds are distributed to registered and non-profit organisations in the fields of charities; arts, culture and national heritage; and sport and recreation. By placing its emphasis on areas of greatest need and potential, the NLDTF contributes to South Africa’s development.