NCCAkron Accepting Applications for Dancing Lab: Art Speaks 2.0 (Apply by April 12)
Company:
The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron), S3 Technologies (Akron, OH), and Kinetech Arts
NCCAkron Accepting Applications for Dancing Lab: Art Speaks 2.0
Deadline to Apply: April 12, 2021 | Program Period: May 5 - July 7, 2021
March 26, 2021 - The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron (NCCAkron), S3 Technologies (Akron, OH), and Kinetech Arts (San Francisco, CA) are seeking three (3) dance artists to participate in an experimental, virtual Dancing Lab titled Art Speaks 2.0. From May 5 to July 7, 2021, artists will explore the use of augmented reality and its potential to expand their existing audience engagement practices. This laboratory is 100% remote (virtual) and does not require artists to travel to Akron for participation.
NCCAkron Dancing Labs are residency environments that bring together two or more artists who normally do not have the time or privilege to be in dialogue. A Dancing Lab is a space for rigorous play, positive failure, and collective experimentation and knowledge-sharing around an issue, idea, or field-wide trend. No finished deliverables are expected but an ongoing practice of questioning, creative investigation, open-mindedness, and being present with NCCAkron and invited guests is required.
The first installment of this initiative, Art Speaks 1.0, was a technological experiment developed with New Territory (Akron, OH) that combined cellphone technology with the dancer headshots that are often included in show playbills or on dance company websites. NCCAkron beta-tested Art Speaks at Dance/USA's 2019 Annual Conference in Cleveland, Ohio at the Technology Playground, a hands-on session with emerging technologies that intersect with dance. Beta-testers used their phone’s camera to view short augmented reality (AR) videos created by a featured artist. Headshot photos triggered videos of that artist speaking about their experiences as a dancer and sharing personal insights to offer additional entry points for audience engagement.
Dance artists selected for Dancing Lab: Art Speaks 2.0 will choose their own approach to build on this initial concept with a continued priority of audience engagement.
Artists will be selected on the following criteria:
- Ability to attend four (4) weekly sessions held on Wednesdays; 4pm-6pm Eastern Time from May 5 - July 7
- Clear and established artistic voice
- Existing practice of engaging audiences
- Open-minded and curious approach to investigating technological integration
- Geographic variance
IMPORTANT DATES:
Monday, March 22 - Applications open
Monday, March 29 at 12pm EST - Optional Information Session for Potential Applicants
Tuesday, March 30 at 4pm EST - Optional Information Session for Potential Applicants
Monday, April 12 - Applications due by 11:59pm PST
Monday, April 26 - Notifications sent to all candidates
Friday, April 30 - Finalists deadline to confirm participation
Wednesday, May 5 - Dancing Lab: ArtSpeaks 2.0 Kick-off Meeting with all participants
Wednesdays between May 12-June 30 - Dancing Lab weekly working sessions
Wednesday, July 7 - Dancing Lab: ArtSpeaks 2.0 Closing Meeting with all participants
COMPENSATION:
+ $1,000 stipend
+ Up to $500 in technical assistance support
Interested artists can apply here: nccakron.org/dancinglabs
Dancing Labs: Art Speaks 2.0 is made possible with support from the Ohio Arts Council ArtsNEXT program.
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About NCCAkron
The National Center for Choreography at The University of Akron supports the research and development of new work in dance by exploring the full potential of the creative process. In addition to offering studio and technical residencies to make new work, activities focus on catalyzing dialogue and experimentation; creating proximity among artists and dance thinkers; and aggregating resources around dance making. For more information, visit nccakron.org.
The establishment of NCCAkron was made possible by the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.
About Kinetech Arts
Kinetech Arts, directed by Daiane Lopes da Silva and Weidong Yang, is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that combines the work of dancers, scientists, and digital artists to create innovative and socially responsible performances. Kinetech Arts work has been supported by Zellerbach Family Foundation, CA$H Grant, The Phyllis C. Wattis Foundation, Rainin Foundation, and Creative Work Fund. Each year, KA produces multiple performances and over 50 other public events, including Open Labs, Y-Exchange public talks and Dance Hack Festivals. KA residencies includes SAFEhouse Arts, Combustible at CounterPulse, Headlands Center for the Arts, and participation in the Dancing Lab: Immersive Media Through Cunningham at NCCAkron. KA is currently in residency at Djerassi Resident Artists Program and ODC Theatre from 2018-2021. http://kinetecharts.org
About S3 Technologies
S3 Technologies is Northeast Ohio’s foremost technology specialist, creating value for clients by solving individual business challenges. With a decade of expertise and a dedicated team, S3 delivers complete technology solutions from concept through installation and support. Their projects include security, audio-visual, networking, and emerging tech needs with an unrelenting focus on trust and consistency. S3 serves its community through client work for educational and government centers, local and national businesses, senior living facilities, and a variety of commercial and industrial applications. In 2020, S3 acquired New Territory, an augmented/virtual reality and gaming/e-sports company based in Akron’s Bounce Innovation Hub. S3 is proud to be a Women-Owned Business Enterprise (“WBE”). https://www.mys3tech.com
Picture: Past Dancing Lab - Immersive Media Through the Work of Merce Cunningham | 2019
