Open Call: Residential Workshop-Radicalising The Arts

How can activists and shapeshifters use art as a radical tool to engage their societies towards critical thinking?

Call for Participation: 4-Week Residential Workshop for Trans Advocates and Artists

crazinisT artisT studiO and perfocraZe International Artist Residency invite trans individuals working in advocacy, activism, arts, research, storytelling, writing, critical thought, curation, music, and song to apply for an intensive 4-week residential workshop.

The studio in Kumasi will host 8 selected applicants from January 2nd to 31st. The residency will focus on reimagining challenges in the arts and "artivism" through the lens of spirituality, advocacy, compassion, rituals, love, and the artist's role in the 21st century. Participants interested in collaborating with resident artists will be supported to develop and present joint projects during the Love fEAST on January 25th.

While the workshop has traditionally been open to anyone within the Queer community, this year we are particularly interested in supporting the personal and professional growth of trans individuals.

What happens at the workshop

Workshop participants will attend presentations on arts and activism, and discuss the work of African contemporary artists who address political issues in their communities. They will be encouraged to tell their own stories through various forms of expression, and will work in groups to develop creative ways to engage the audience in critical conversations. These methods may include humor, games, plays, poetry, drama, music and participatory performances.

Guided Tour

The studio will facilitate a tour to the studios of selected practicing artists in Kumasi and the KNUST, in order to provide participants with the opportunity to experience the working processes and inspirations of other artists and researchers.

Important Note:

• The application period is open for one week. Applying early improves your chances of being selected.
• Notification of Acceptance: You will be notified of the outcome of your application by December 25th, 2022.

Eligibility

• This program is open to individuals who are interested, willing, and passionate about exploring the arts, regardless of their artistic or performance background.
• Applicants must meet the following criteria:
• Ghanaian residents: Ghanaian citizens living in Ghana are eligible to apply.
• Black residents of other nationalities: Black individuals of any nationality who have lived in Ghana for more than two years are also welcome to apply.
• Ghanaians living abroad: Ghanaians living abroad must demonstrate a stay of at least 40% in Ghana within the last three years.
• Queer or non-binary identification: This program is specifically for applicants who identify as trans individuals or non-binary.
• Age requirement: Applicants must be 18 years of age or older.

Workshop Details

• Your travel expenses will be fully covered
• Stipend: A sum of GHC 1500.00
• Accommodation: Free (shared rooms and facilities)
• Meals: Three meals per day
• WiFi: Free
• Mentorship

Important Dates

• Open Call: December 15th, 2024
• Deadline: December 25th, 2024
• Confirmation: December 26th, 20224
• Workshop: January 2nd to 31st, 2025 (Kumasi, Ghana)

perfocraZe International Artist Residency- [pIAR] is hosted by “crazinisT artisT studiO” located in the hub of Kumasi, the second largest city of Ghana and the capital of the Ashanti Kingdom. It is an interdisciplinary artists program, performance ‘hatchery’, incubator, laboratory and interactive platform aimed at promoting exchange between international and local artists, activists, researchers, curators and thinkers. pIAR was launched in 2018 after four years of its underground projects  and has since hosted more than 100 participants and collaborators from over 25 countries. It is the only residency of it kinds in Ghana that has been founded and directed by a trans-woman serving as a queer heaven for both local and international queer artivist, shape shifters and researchers.

Read more about pIAR

https://www.crazinistartist.com/piar-artist-in-residency

(works by artists in residence 2019, check HERE to see the right credits) Photo credit: Edward Onsoh, Nina Claire, Percy Nii Nortey

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1. Application Process

   Interested individuals should review the terms and conditions before completing the application form below. We do not accept application submissions outside of the FORM.

2. Deadline for application 25th December 2024 (11:59PM GMT)
3. NO application FEE!
4. Prepare all documents before filling the form; the application processes CAN NOT be saved for later completion.
5. Copy and paste the following documents into the appropriate text boxes provided in the form
   • BIO (Not more than 300 words)
   • CV (Not more than 1000 words)
   • MOTIVATION LETTER/STATEMENT OF PURPOSE (Not more than 300 words)
6. CONFIRMATION- You should see this pop up as soon as your application has been successfully submitted: "Success! Your form was sent. pIAR Team will contact you in the next few days. If in 10 days you do not receive any email from us, please do follow up via email: piarvirtualstudio@gmail.com"
7. If you encounter any difficulties in filling the application form, please send emails to piarvirtualstudio@gmail.com to book appoint for help.
8. Applicants shall be invited for online interview (ZOOM VIDEO CALL) within the first 10 days after their application is received.

1. Participants must be able to STAY for a minimum of 28 days.
2. Participant agree to participate in all compulsory in-person presentations (All residents will introduce their practice in the first 8 days of the workshop.
3. Free accommodation (shared DORMS and facilities) Note that there is no private room at pIAR (except your private single bed)
4. The workshop welcomes individuals who identify as queer or transgender, in addition to hosting local and international artists working in various disciplines including performance art, activism, video, photography, film, installations, interventions, graffiti, murals, curating, writing, storytelling, and music/dance. The residency encourages exploration beyond established boundaries, privileges, and vulnerabilities.
5. pIAR emerged as a matter of urgency and the need for a safe space for a communal solidarity, radical empathy, learning, unlearning and deconstructing colonial histories and representations. Be mindful that there might be very heavy political and emotional discussions at pIAR.
6. pIAR is built on the notions and intersections of activism, radical empathy, performativity, documentation and archiving. NOTE: All participants and activities at pIAR are randomly documented for archival purpose, websites and social media promotions.

IMPORTANT NOTE

Due to the high volume of inquiries, we are unable to provide individual assistance with the application form. Please review the instructions carefully and seek help from someone you know if needed.

The TTO/pIAR team will only respond to emails seeking clarification on the application or program. They cannot complete the form on your behalf.

pIAR is currently running a crowd funding to secure a new space with improved studio facilities. Kindly support by donating, sharing and broadcasting. No amount is too small to contribute to save pIAR. To learn more, click the link below: