Live Art Producer Residencies – Full Guidance

Introduction

Established in 1999, the Live Art Development Agency is a 'Centre for Live Art': a knowledge centre, a production centre for programmes and publications, a research centre setting artists and ideas in motion, and an online centre for digital experimentation, representation and dissemination. LADA aims to support all those who make, watch, research, study, teach, produce, present, write about, and archive Live Art.

LADA works strategically, in partnership and in consultation with artists and organisations across the cultural sector to develop new artistic frameworks, legitimise unclassifiable artforms, and give agency to underrepresented artists.

LADA houses a unique research library; runs Unbound, the world’s only online shop for Live Art books, DVDs and editions; pioneers models of artistic and professional development, dialogue and debate; contributes to groundbreaking research culture and education; develops inventive ways of increasing access to Live Art through projects and publishing; and coordinates the Live Art UK national network.

Live Art is often an interdisciplinary, itinerant and ephemeral area of contemporary arts practice that operates within, in between, across, and at the edges of visual art, theatre, dance, digital media and the moving image. The breadth of Live Art activity continues to expand with artists continuously pushing art form boundaries and uncovering new performance territories.

The role of a Live Art producer can therefore be incredibly varied and to be successful needs to be flexible and able to respond to the distinct and often complex needs of artists working at the edges of practice on a project by project basis.

A good producer can make all the difference to a project’s success. The need for such creative, adaptable, thoughtful producers is at an all time high as the demands of experimental practices stretch the resources of what many organisations can provide.

The offer

LADA is looking to form ongoing relationships with two emerging Live Art Producers through flexible part-time residencies for a period of one year. It is anticipated that the two residencies will run concurrently, enabling opportunities for collaborations, dialogues and shared experiences.

This is an unpaid opportunity. The residency is intended to provide space, time, professional development opportunities and other support as the producers work on their own projects. The majority of the residency will consist of the candidates working independently to their own agenda.

LADA will tailor each residency, with the successful candidates, to meet their individual needs.

LADA will:

• Provide free desk space for up to three days per week, and access to the office outside of working hours.        
• Provide access to office facilities including use of wifi and other equipment, as well as use of the LADA Study Room and our kitchen facilities. However, candidates should have their own laptop to work off in the office.
• Work with each of the successful candidates to tailor a structured framework of activity for their residency with three mentoring sessions, regular check-ins and help in identifying and achieving career goals.
• Extend event invites to the candidates where appropriate, which may include Study Room gatherings, performances and work-in-progress showings, exhibition openings, launch events and more.
• Provide guidance and professional support in applying for Grants for the Arts and other project funding opportunities where appropriate.

In addition to their own projects, the producers may be invited to contribute to LADA and Live Art UK initiatives, and it may be possible for LADA to provide the producers with work opportunities (subject to such opportunities arising). We encourage applicants to think about other ways in which LADA might help the resident producers enhance their experience.

The producers will also be encouraged to get involved with the Producers’ Gathering network.

Who

We’re looking for enthusiastic, passionate producers at the beginning of their work within Live Art, but not necessarily the beginning of their producing career, looking to use their skills and experience to make a difference to the Live Art sector.

We invite applicants to self define whether they are at the right stage for this scheme.

The successful applicants will be ready to take full advantage of the resources available during the residency, and be open to LADA’s culture of collaborative working.

Eligibility

Undergraduate and postgraduate students may not apply, unless they can make a strong case for the residency’s integration in their producing activities outside university.

Applicants must have the right to live or work in the UK.

Assessment Criteria and Selection

Applications will be assessed and selected by the staff of the Live Art Development Agency against the stated aims and objectives of this scheme and in relation to applicants’ proposals and experiences.

Further information

We very much welcome discussion with all potential applicants. If you wish to talk about any aspect of your proposal in advance of submission, please contact Megan Vaughan via [email protected] or 0208 985 2124.

Notification of results

Successful applicants will be notified by mid November. Unsuccessful applicants will be notified by email, unless access needs require another format.

Equality of Opportunity

The Live Art Development Agency supports issues of diversity in the practice and politics of Live Art and is positioned and structured to be able to work effectively with, and within, a range of cultural frameworks, artistic practices and social issues.

The Live Art Development Agency is committed to responding to the complex needs of a diverse society and, in its schemes and initiatives, aims to enhance the involvement of artists and the public regardless of age, sex, race, disability, sexual orientation or education.

The Live Art Development Agency is committed to equality of opportunity in all selection procedures. Should you need any special provision to facilitate your application, please contact Megan Vaughan via [email protected] or 0208 985 2124. We are happy to meet in person to discuss access needs.

Deadline for applications: EXTENDED TO Monday 24 October 2016, 12 noon
Dates of placement: Autumn 2016 to Autumn 2017 (exact dates tbc)