
Image : Rose de la Riva, performative improvisation for a factory wall, Autoworkshops on the Road collective, Detroit (USA), 2018.
Summer program of micro-workshops
In partnership with Skol’s performance committee, VIVA! Art Action invites Montreal* artists with an action art practice to submit a proposal for a micro-workshop. Selected activities will be part of an artistic and pedagogical programme that will temporarily occupy Skol’s gallery in August 2024.
At the intersection of skill-sharing and professional development, this project will consist of a cohort of artists who will take turns leading and participating in a series of peer-based training activities. Selected artists will offer a short workshop consisting of theoretical and/or practical exercises related to their performance practice. Lasting 3 to 4 hours each, these activities are aimed at engaging other members of the cohort but may also be opened to the general public. This initiative aims to nurture the development of the personal practice of the participating artists and, more largely, the discipline of performance art by offering a multifaceted learning experience that targets the group formed, but is also accessible to the wider action art community.
VIVA! encourages artists to submit proposals of all kinds. No professional experience in giving workshops is required.
– Practical exercises, individual or group;
– Sharing theoretical content, discussion or reflection activities;
– Group reading or viewing of media;
– Shortened version of a pre-existing workshop;
– Any other form of sharing that you feel is relevant!
During the month of August, selected artists will also be able to use the gallery as a residency space in which to discuss their practices and methodologies. Participating artists could, for example, develop new actions and shared resources such as a bibliography or a repertoire of exercises.
Logistical information
The artists selected for VIVArium will meet twice a week during the month of August at the Centre des arts actuels Skol (space 314 at the Belgo, 372 Ste-Catherine O.). The Belgo building is partially wheelchair accessible (find out more about the building’s accessibility here).
In addition to leading a 3 to 4 hour workshops, participants must also commit to taking part in the activities offered by their peers in order to share and exchange about their experiences. The selected artists must therefore be available in person on the following dates (daytime) :
August 6 and 8, 2024
August 13 and 15, 2024
August 20 and 22, 2024
The programme will conclude with a round-table discussion during which the public can learn about the activities that were carried out. Scheduled to take place at the end of August, the form of this event will be developed with the VIVArium participants. This component is conditional on obtaining the necessary funding.
Conditions
Artists will receive a professional fee of $900 for leading their micro-workshop and participating in the activities offered by their peers. A small budget will be available to cover the cost of materials required for the workshops. An additional fee will be paid to artists to take part in the closing round-table discussion.
*Unfortunately, VIVA! cannot commit to reimbursing travel and accommodation costs for artists living outside Montreal. The call is therefore aimed primarily (but not exclusively) at Montreal-based artists.
Deadline : Friday, July 5, 2024
The application must include :
– A letter of intent outlining your practice in action art and your interest in taking part in the programme (maximum 1 page);
– A brief description of your proposed workshop/activity (1 page maximum);
– A CV (maximum 3 pages) and/or bio;
– A maximum of ten images and/or videos (including a descriptive list of materials) and/or a link to your website;
Artists will be selected by a jury made up of members representing Skol and VIVA!. Evaluations will take into account the relevance and coherence of the proposed workshop in relation to the artist’s artistic practice and larger issues related to action art.
The selection intends to bring together a variety of exercises and reflect diversity in terms of both discipline and identity. Artists with atypical backgrounds or from culturally, gender or ability diverse communities are encouraged to submit their proposals. However, our ability to pay for special access costs such as interpreters is conditional on obtaining additional funding.
Applicants will receive a reply in mid-July.
Applications and any questions relating to the call should be sent to: info@vivamontreal.org