The Test Card project is extremely excited to announce a new open call - Hyperlink, launched in collaboration with Live Cinema UK. Hyperlink is a new R&D project which aims to examine society’s relationship with the internet, via the creation of a new, interactive online performance and provide a platform for Black artists.

With the support of Live Cinema UK, Test Card presents Hyperlink. Hyperlink is a new R&D project which aims to examine society’s relationship with the internet, via the creation of a new, interactive online performance. The performance will be shaped by an investigation into habits formed through our interaction with digital platforms. Examining how various digital tools and materials shape our bond/ experience with the internet, and how this affects our perception of the world around us. 

Test Card is continuously examining new ways to platform artists from diverse backgrounds, with this in mind the Hyperlink will be seeking to commission three black artists, forming a core group which will help shape the direction of the project, and explore how it could best be used to platform black culture and ideas.

Recent Black Lives Matter demonstrations have brought the issues of structural racism and discrimination within our society and the arts to the forefront of conversations surrounding our future. As we all re-examine the ways in which we work, knowing that Black artists are hugely underrepresented in the AV Performance sector, we believe it is important to support Black Artists in the ways they want to be supported, to step back to listen and to collectively and collaboratively re-imagine the future of AV performance.

Test-Card is a small collective of artists based in Manchester, we have managed to secure a small funding pot to support this project and are able to offer 3 artists a small honorarium of £200 as well as content creation support. This project is about supporting artists who are looking to join a network of creatives sharing ideas and experience as well as a chance to platform and amplify ideas that might not be seen otherwise.

Our aim is that Hyperlink becomes a space for Black creatives to meet, connect, create, and share whilst platforming work that examines and imagines new interactive online performance. The chosen group will meet weekly (virtually), throughout August to discuss and develop content with the Test Card Team, building up to a final performance at the beginning of September.

To apply, please provide the following information. 

• A written (no longer than 500 words) or recorded statement detailing why you would like to take part in the project 

• Links to work 

Applicants must be over 18 years of age, and the weekly meetings will be organized once we know the availability of the group. 

Deadline for submission - 9th August