Wasteland Twinning Nottingham: Micro-Commissions Call
Wasteland Twinning Nottingham is pleased to announce an open call for submissions for two works that will be included in (or occur at the time of) our exhibition in October 2013. The call is attached as a .pdf hereand reproduced below.Wasteland Twinning Nottingham Call for Micro-Commissions
The Wasteland Twinning Network (http://archive.wasteland-twinning.net) is an independent, international network of artists and researchers exploring the uses and functions of wastelands in cities. Wasteland Twinning hijacks the concept of city twinning and applies it to urban wastelands in order to generate a network for parallel research and action.
Wasteland Twinning Nottingham (WT Nottingham) is one of fourteen groups working on local research within this network. WT Nottingham is made up of Rebecca Beinart, David Bell and Mathew Trivett. We are currently engaged in a program of research, experimentation and public events focused on a wasteland in inner-city Nottingham, locally known as ‘The Island’. With a rich industrial history, the thirteen-acre Island site has lain derelict for over twenty years despite a number of ambitious redevelopment plans. It is currently being included in a new regeneration plan for the area called 'The Creative Quarter'.
WT Nottingham’s research is focused on attempting to identify and engage with the various users and histories of this site; and on uncovering imagined, unrealised futures for The Island. We are interested in the usage and value this site has in its current state as an unofficial commons; and in the impact of any development on the local area. The simple idea of twinning wasteland sites also raises questions about the function of urban 'wastelands' – not least why we name them as 'waste'; and what their values might be beyond capital. We have 'twinned' our wasteland with a site in Yogyakarta in Indonesia, and we're hoping to work with our partners there to continue exploring these two pieces of land with the communities who use them.
We are currently hosting a series of public Wasteland Conversations at Nottingham Contemporary that delve into issues raised by the project, namely place and place-making; the role of artistic practice; utopia and community; ecology; and the commons and enclosure.
Micro-Commissions
We are inviting applications from any discipline to apply for two micro-commissions in response to the Island Site and WT Nottingham's research concerns. We will work with successful applicants to develop their proposed projects and show them as part of an exhibition/ series of events this autumn. All proposals will also be included in an archive of visions for the future of the site as part of the exhibition, unless you request otherwise.
Timescale
- 8th April: Deadline for application
- Mid April: Decision & Initial meeting for artists + start date for project
- May - September: Research & Production
- October: Exhibition/ Events as part of the One Thoresby Street (OTS) Attic Program
The Offer
- £500 for production (please specify how you would use this in your budget)
- The opportunity to test new work
- Access to WT Nottingham's research and support through conversation
- Potential link to another partner in the WT network (to be negotiated)
- Promotion of work alongside WT Nottingham's exhibition – either work displayed as part of exhibition or event taking place at the same time (on the Island site or at OTS)
- Exposure through WT website
What we're asking for
- A proposal that's achievable within the budget & timescale
- An interesting response to / proposal for the Island site and/or the archive we're developing
- Proposals that show engagement with WT Nottingham's research interests
- Openness to engaging with other WT events & conversations and contributing material to the website
How to Apply
Please email nottingham@wasteland-twinning.net with:
- A statement saying how you'd approach the project, including specific ideas/ proposals (one A4 page maximum)
- A visualisation of your idea if relevant
- Proposed budget, stating how you would use the £500
- Your C.V. and links to any websites showing previous work
Deadline for applications: 8th April 2013
