DIY 2020 – Lydia Heath: Public realm as playground: towards a toolkit for earthly survival

This DIY project uses performance informed by science fiction, magic, ritual and idiocy to explore how our relationship to the public realm has changed and will continue to change because of COVID-19. It invites participants to think through the wider global implications of this unprecedented situation, how we relate to each other and the spaces we share during times of global crisis.

This DIY is run in partnership with Compass Live Art (Leeds) and hÅb (Manchester).

About the workshop

This DIY project uses performance informed by science fiction, magic, ritual and idiocy to explore how our relationship to the public realm has changed and will continue to change because of COVID-19. It invites participants to think through the wider global implications of this unprecedented situation, how we relate to each other and the spaces we share during times of global crisis.

Some of the questions this workshop might address are:

• How can we use our bodies to inhabit public spaces and explore our relationships to these spaces and each other during this time?
• How can lockdown/social distancing restrictions be a framework for these explorations?
• How can we stay curious, anonymous, playful during these restrictions?
• How can science fiction, magic, idiocy etc. come into play as resources to make sense of this unprecedented time?
• How might this disruption of business as usual (with its focus on productivity and consumption) inform what comes afterwards?

Throughout the workshop participants will collaboratively explore strategies for making performance in public spaces during the COVID-19 pandemic, as our relationship to and movement within these spaces shifts dramatically.

Working remotely within (or in the aftermath of) the limitations of lockdown/social distancing restrictions, artists are invited to develop shared methodologies for new ways of working, through a combination of online discussions and actions in public spaces – the results of which may inform the future production of a toolkit that could be used by artists living through other pandemics.

The workshop will take place online over two days on Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August between 10am & 5pm and include group discussions, reflective exercises and breakout activities in nearby public spaces. Selected artists need to be able to attend both days.

Fees and expenses

Selected participants will receive a £50 honorarium. If you have other expenses that would prohibit you from taking part (such as access or childcare costs) please include this in your application. Whilst the budget for this project is very small, accommodations will be made where possible.

Important dates

Deadline for applications: Midnight, Sunday 9th August

Applicants notified: Wednesday 12th August

Workshop dates: Saturday 22nd & Sunday 23rd August, 10am – 5pm both days

Applications from outside the UK

Applications from outside the UK are welcomed, but please keep in mind that the workshop days will take place between 10am & 5pm GMT.

How to apply

Please complete this short application form which asks the following questions:

1. Name & pronouns
2. Where are you currently based?
3. Contact email
4. Brief description of your practice (including images/website links if desired) and how it has been impacted by Covid-19. **300 words max**
5. Links to websites/videos (optional)
6. Supporting images and/or CV – 1 PDF file no larger than 10MB (optional)
7. Please outline how taking part in this workshop will be of benefit to you **300 words max**
8. What questions/challenges about making performance or live interventions in public spaces are you looking to explore? **300 words max**
9. Access and/or expenses requirements (if applicable)

Alternatively video applications in BSL or English and audio applications of no longer than 5 minutes that answer the above questions are welcomed – please send these and any supporting images/videos via WeTransfer to [email protected]

Access

This project has a small access budget and where possible individuals’ requirements will be accommodated, please include these in your application or contact [email protected] to discuss your requirements in more detail.

BSL interpretation, closed captioning and image descriptions for online group discussions can be provided.