Open Call

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Are you between 18 and 30 years old? Do you have a passion for exploring and reimagining public spaces through artistic expression? We invite you to join (RE)claimingthevoid, a collaborative project for Ghent European Youth Capital that delves into the history, use, and transformation of public spaces in Bologna.
The exchange consists of eight (8) participants from Ghent and eight (8) participants from Italy who will meet in Bologna from the fourth to the eighth of March.

About the project

The starting point of this project is the connection Astrid had with Camere d’Aria, the place where she often visited to unwind after studying dance. Lydia invited her to share her dance practice. Although shy at the start, it was a defining moment.

During further conversations with Lydia the transformation of public spaces in Bologna came up as a current necessity. Where Bologna was once known as a hub for artistic expression and experimentation in open spaces, the reality now is that this creative and collective expression is under pressure.

(RE)claimingthevoid is an experimental project that invites participants to investigate the dynamics of public spaces—how they are occupied, transformed, and experienced by different identities. We explore questions such as: How public is a public space? How can we reclaim it artistically, creatively and non-aggressively? What are ways in which we can do this within this socio-political context?

This project is not about creating a predefined script; it's about giving you the tools to express yourself artistically in ways that challenge and reshape the conventional understanding of public spaces. Whether through installation, performance, or other creative mediums, your contributions will help us explore the intersections of space, identity, and community. In this 7 day-immersion, we work together up to a climax on the 8th or March, International Women’s Day: a day full of informal gatherings, speeches, presentations and much more in public spaces!

Topics of interest
We are looking for participants who are motivated to engage with the following themes:

Public vs private space: How do we navigate and redefine the boundaries between public and private spaces in Bologna? When is public space public?
Cultural differences: Exploring the distinct ways public spaces are used and experienced in Bologna now and some years ago? And see the difference within your own experience?
Occupying spaces: How can little, brave, performative acts transform the way we view and use these areas? Which actions can we do to make it ours? How can we amplify our horizon and possibilities by living in the public space in different ways?

Who should apply?

Youngsters: This project is open to individuals from 18 to 30 years old with or without professional artistic or anthropological experience, but who above all are deeply motivated and feel a connection to the topic.
Creative thinkers: We seek participants who are eager to express themselves artistically, whether through visual art, performance, or other forms of expression. Are you someone with a critical, curious, context-sensitive and independent attitude to transform ideas into tangible form?
Collaborators: Those interested in working in a group setting, brainstorming, and developing ideas collectively.

>Main language will be English.

> Do you feel stimulated? Do you have doubts? Do not hesitate to ask your questions at reclaimingthevoid@gmail.com

Enthusiasm is decisive.

What do we offer?

A seven-day artistic immersion: A week of intercultural encounters, exchange and learning from each other within the frame of an organised and safe space.
Financial: 95% of the costs of travel, accommodation, lunch and dinner will be provided by the project.
Additional expenses (i.e. snacks, tickets for other activities) and breakfast, lunch & dinner on the travel days are for your own account.
Provisional programme:

(!) this programme is in progress.

Participation details

Schedules: We expect participants to be available and engaged for the entire period (3 - 9 March).

1. Travel schedule for people coming from Ghent:

3 March: Travel day to Bologna
4 March → 8 March: immersion in Bologna
9 March: Travel day back to Ghent

2. Travel schedule for people coming from an Italian city:

3 March: travel day to Bologna
4 March → 8 March: immersion in Bologna
9 March: travel day back to hometown

3. Travel schedule for Bolognese people:

4 March → 8 March: immersion in Bologna

Output: In (RE)claimingthevoid, theatrical, musical, and dance elements are transformed into tools for reflection, addressing the substantive and imposed voids in public spaces driven by political forces. The project offers herself as a buffet to the participants, inviting them to taste the different ateliers as a way to deal with concepts as public space. This project focuses on the participants’ experience, giving them a frame and opportunity to work around topics as public spaces and focus therefore on the process and immersion of this trip. On the 8th of March, the group will collectively experience the different performative acts of International Women’s Day in the streets of Bologna as a climax of the project.

Location: The project will take place both in Camere d'Aria (Via Guelfa 40/4, 40138, Bologna in Italy) as well as in squares and streets.

How to Apply

Submission: Reactions on this open call are welcome in the form you choose! Video, audio or a cover letter. Describe your interest in the project, and how you would like to contribute with regards to your background and interests. In case of a short statement: write max 300 words. Video and audio to be sent via a youtube link.
Deadline: Deadline is extended. All submissions must be received by 14th of December 2024. If you are selected for this project, you’ll receive a confirmation on the 23th of December with the necessary documents.
Contact: For more information and to submit your application, please contact our coordinator Astrid via reclaimingthevoid@gmail.com