Expressions of Interest Wanted! For socially engaged artist development project. Deadline: Friday 11th Jan, Midday.

As part of the NewBridge Project’s Programme Committee, studio member Sarah Stamp has commissioned Lady Kitt as lead artist for a project exploring ways of taking a socially engaged approach to creative practice.

We are now looking for expressions of interest for a number of artists to work alongside Kitt on the project: this is a professional development opportunity where you will also have the opportunity to support the lead artist in a hands-on manner.

We are keen to hear from artists or creative practitioners across any discipline who would like to gain more experience of working with people in a socially engaged way. Prior experience is not necessary, but within the expression of interest we would like to find out specifically what your interest is in working in this way.

There will be a stipend for supporting your involvement of £200. Taking part in the project is flexible, but we suggest a minimum requirement of a full day and two workshops with Lady Kitt.

The project will commence in January 2019 with a meal at the lead artist’s house and run until March 2019. Kitt will be working on the project over 14 half days across this period. Those selected for the opportunity will be invited to join Kitt on these days.

This opportunity is suitable for artists at any stage of their career who want to gain experience of social practice and develop their approach to work in a more socially engaged way. 

We welcome applications from everywhere but may prioritise local applicants as there is no transport budget. We can advise people in applying for personal development and travel grants if you get in touch.

The professional development sessions will be shaped by the needs of the artists involved. We anticipate they will include; mentoring from the lead artist, workshops to address skills gaps and talks from experienced professionals – artists and the practices art sits alongside.

Supporting artists will also be involved in working alongside the lead artist on the commission to explore the role of social practice and issues involved in working this way. 

Commission Themes

The project focuses on alternative ways to communicate, engage with people and work in a non-hierarchical way. It focuses on the role arts participation plays as one of the growing number of practices or activities which are looked to in order to support health and wellbeing and address social inequalities. It will find out what room there is for art that isn’t just a solution for perceived problems. 

There is no specific context of issue for the project to address, but it will be developed and executed in public places in Newcastle.

Expression of interest Requirement

Please submit a brief CV (up to one page of A4), selection of examples of past work, and a covering letter (up to one page of A4) explaining who you are and where you are based, what your interest in the opportunity is, why you are keen to learn more about socially engaged art practice, and your own definition (up to 100 words) of social practice/art that involves the public. 

Please indicate your availability between Jan–March and your typical work/life patterns.

You will be informed if you have been successful on 14th January and the initial session and meal with Kitt will take place on 18/19th January.

Sat 23rd March will be the closing event. Interim days will be announced in response to Kitt and the successful applicants availability.

Please don’t hesitate to get in touch if you have any questions in the meantime.

There is no minimum level of experience for this opportunity – all applications will be considered.

The focus is on actually how to work with people (in reality) so please apply if this is what you’d like to do within your art practice.