DIY: 2008 – FAQ

For the full list of DIY 5 projects please click here.

Who can apply?

DIY is a scheme for artists working in Live Art. However, many of the DIY projects are relevant to aritsts who are interested in Live Art but may not have an extensive track-record of Live Art practice. In each case read the project description closely to understand if there is a specific ‘target’ of participants (eg at a certain stage in their career).

Each project will prioritise artists from within the region in which it is based, except for London which is open to all aritsts. For example the Yara El-Sherbini project in the North East will give priority to artists living and/or working in the North East. However, other artists are not excluded from requesting a place on the project. Past experience tells us that there are generally places available for all artists who want to take part. Therefore we strongly recommend that if you are interested in taking part in a project – even if it is not taking place in the region in which you live – then you should make a submission.

Deadline and notification 
There is one common deadline for all DIY projects. If you would like to take part in a DIY project you need to contact the DIY project leader and submit your application by Monday 21 July 2008.

Each project has slightly different selection methods – most often you will be asked to submit a cv or biography and a short statement. You should check each project description carefully to work out what is required for your submission. If in doubt email the lead artist as early as possible with a question to clarify what is required.

Each lead artist will respond to your submission and let you know if you have been accepted to participate. They will usually do this within a week of the deadline. Sometimes they will request further information to help them work out if the project is right for you.

The deadline is the final date for submission. We encourage you however to make your submission at any time leading up to the deadline.

How much does DIY cost?
Generally DIY projects are free to take part in, however, for some projects you will be asked to contribute to the cost of food and other direct expenses. Mostly you will also be asked to cover your own travel costs to and from the place where the project is taking place. Some projects provide participants for specified costs such as travel.

Where relevant, details of costs are mentioned in the project descriptions, however, if you are in doubt email the lead artist to check.

What happens if I can’t attend all days?
DIY projects are short and designed for small numbers of participants. It is therefore ideal if you are participating that you attend all days/sessions of the DIY project. If this is not possible but you really want to take part, please contact the DIY project leader and outline your availabiltiy to determine if they will accept your applicaiton.

Access requirements 
Unfortunately, some projects require certain levels of physical fitness and/or are not accessible for all aritsts. If you have access requirements please contact the lead artist to discuss the suitability of the project.

How can I lead a DIY project?
The artists leading DIY projects were selected through an open call. You can read the archive page including the guidleines for the call for DIY project leaders on this website. We hope to run DIY in 2009 and will again select DIY lead artists through an open call. Join the Live Art Development Agency e-list to remain informed of our projects and activities.

DIY 5 is a Live Art Development Agency initiative developed in collaboration with Arnolfini and Theatre Bristol; Artsadmin; Colchester Arts Centre; Fierce Earth, North East; New Work Network and China Plate; and Nuffield Theatre and LANWest.

Requesting further information

The lead artists are happy to respond to questions about their DIY projects. If something is not clear or if you would like further information (eg about dates and the time you will need to commit) then email the lead artist. In each project description the email of the lead artist is listed under the heading ‘Any Questions’. Please make sure you put ‘DIY 5’ in the subject line.