Call for proposals: [dis]connection

​

This is a one-day performance art event coinciding with the Inner West Creative Trail on Saturday the 3rd of August, 2019. The event is curated by Bonnie Cowan, directed by Tom Isaacs and hosted by Scratch Art Space, Marrickville with support from the Inner West Council. We are seeking proposals for live performance works, including short pieces and long-durational performances (up to 7 hours). While performance art is the focus of the event, those working in cross-disciplinary and experimental performative mediums are encouraged to apply.

​

Preference will be given to proposals with a strong connection to the curatorial brief, with a focus on original, concept-centric works. Preference will also be given to artists who are part of minority groups (women/non- binary, LGBTQI+, POC, first nations, differently able bodies) Proposals may respond to the notion of ‘connection’, ‘disconnection’ or the tension between.

​

Deadline for proposals: Midnight 15th of June, 2019 Your proposal should include:

​

• Outline of what you intend to do (what, why, how) (max. 350 words)

• How your work connects to the curatorial brief (max. 150 words)

• Materials you are considering using

• Technical and space requirements

• Artist CV or bio (max. one page)

Email the above as a PDF with your name and contact details to bonnie.cowan@hotmail.com by midnight 15th of June 2019.

​Curatorial Brief:

​

Between our lived experience of connection and disconnection lies a visceral tension.

​

Seeking connection is a fundamental aspect of the human experience; both physically and emotionally, to ourselves and others. From a fleeting electric moment with a stranger on a train, to the quiet and intimate relationship we have with ourselves. We construct online worlds, entire social media networks, in order to feel connected. We master the art of professional interactions; build relationships for the sole purpose of furthering our career. We find sentiment in objects, comfort in animals and home on borrowed land.

​

A sense of disconnection can be devastatingly emotional, inevitable or liberating. It can happen gradually over time, or suddenly and all at once; be mutual or one-sided, expected or unforeseen. It can represent a physical distance, or an emotional detachment. Disconnection can be an active shift in dynamic, or simply a lack of connection.

​

What [dis]connection will provide:

​

• An artist’s fee on the presentation of an invoice (amount TBC)

• Free performance space

• Documentation of the performance

• Online publicity through Scratch Art Space and the Inner West Creative Trail
   

What the artist must provide:

​

• A live performance

• All materials for their performance

• Publicity via the artists’ personal networks
   

 

[dis]connection is supported by the Inner West Council through their Arts and Culture Grant.