"BASE ELEMENTS"
This project has been supported by Northern Rock Foundation and Arts Council North East.
Open to national and international artists working in all media
The properties of elements often reflectthe properties of life itself - volatile, inert, lustrous, precious, brittle…' Primo Levi
RESIDENCY BRIEF
Allenheads Contemporary Arts (ACA) would like to receive proposals from artists interested in following a line of research into the earth's base elements. The project aims to explore in broad terms, how we comprehend and relate to the matter of our planet.
Artists will be able to invite a collaborator from any field of the arts or sciences, to bring their knowledge and experience to the project.
These 2 residencies are the first in the Base Elements series, which will collectively present a broad picture of our complex relationship with planet earth. It is planned that the series will culminate in a conference, exhibition and publication.
Each residency is for a flexible period of up to 3 months.
Artist's fee £1800 pcm + travel, accommodation, studio and production expenses.
About 'Base Elements'
It is for the artist to determine how they might approach the subject of the 'Base Elements '. ACA is looking for a range of projects that could derive from the scientific to the spiritual or mythical. Above all we are inviting artists to consider this subject in a way, which satisfies their own curiosity about the world while feeding into a broader understandings of it.
There is no universal definition or conclusive list of 'base elements'.
Ancient and traditional scholars looked/look at the characteristics of the four 'basic elements' of earth wind water and fire in an attempt to understand or engage with our planet (and the universe).
One could distinguish between the physical understanding of the universe, the cosmology of science and physics (e.g. the 'Big Bang' theory) or, the metaphysical or esoteric Cosmology which not only refers to the physical universe but also to psychic or spiritual realms of existence.
The atomic elements of modern science also offer much scope for debate. 'Each of the elements is vital for life to exist on Earth in a closed loop of cyclical changes' (Dr. Art's Guide to Planet Earth). Elements are the building blocks of all matter, with over 100 identified. The majority of scientists would probably agree that Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Phosphorus, Sulphur, Hydrogen and Silicon are central and make up most of the matter in the universe. However, this is very much a life scientist's list - geologists would probably include other peculiar elements in there and nuclear physicists would have a different list - e.g. uranium. (Includes extracts from the writing of project consultant Prof. Nick Owens, Director of the Plymouth Marine Laboratory.)
There are connections between specific elements and topical global issues or developments; silicon and artificial intelligence being one example with carbon and global warming another.
Who can apply and who can be a collaborator?
Because of the enormous potential for ideas and outcomes relating to this topic we are accepting proposals from a broad range of creative practitioners including those working in new media, sound, writing and performance. The scope of activity and research is furthermore broadened by the selected artists each inviting a collaborator to contribute to the research /development of his/her work. Collaborators can come from an even broader field e.g. Science, philosophy or religion.
Artists may apply individually or as a group (although the budget per residency cannot increase proportionately). Potential collaborators can again be individuals, organisations or institutions nominated to assist the artist in his/her work.
The examples given throughout this text are by no means conclusive but are used to demonstrate the potential of this project.
Each residency is for up to 3 months.
The residency period can be approached in a flexible manner. For example,
1x3 month stay or several shorter stays.
The Base Elements programme has a budget to cover the expenses of working with a collaborator. (Fee's, travel expenses etc.)
The artist may nominate a collaborator in his/her proposal, or work with ACA's help to seek the most appropriate person for their research.
Extended Programme:
Artists will be expected to contribute to ACA's extended arts and education programme that may involve local and international audiences. This could be in the form of meetings, talks, presentations, exhibitions, publications, archival documentation etc. The nature of this contribution will be discussed during the residency to ensure it is appropriate to both artist and: host venue.
Facilities at ACA:
Large open and versatile studio (10x10m)
Access to workshop and digital studio for DVD editing and production
DVD presentation with high quality projection and surround sound PA system
Internet and TV for research purposes
Basic comfortable private accommodation with bathroom and shower facilities
Fully equipped self catering kitchen
HOW TO APPLY
Please send:
Written proposal (max 1 x A4 page) outling:
Brief statement relating to recent work
Line of research you are interested in pursuing at ACA
Choice of collaborator (specific names not required at this stage)
How you envisage this residency impacting on your work
A current CV (max.2 pages)
Visual material supporting your proposal:
Slides (max 10. Clearly labeled - including your name!)
CD-R (max 10 images. JPEG Format. 72 dpi)
DVD Show-reel (max 5 mins)
Web based artists send site on disc and URL
Give an indication of your preferred dates and working schedule.
The contact details of a referee who we may contact during the selection process.
If you would like your material returned, please enclose a SAE with full postage.
Please send applications by post to:
Allenheads Contemporary Arts, The Old School House, Allenheads, Hexham, Northumberland, NE47 9HR, UK
Any enquiries may be sent by email to helenheads@aol.com
please do not send any application material via email