Deadline: 20 November 2024
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)CLAIMING THE VOID, a collaborative project for Ghent European Youth Capital that delves into the history, use, and transformation of public spaces in Bologna and Ghent.
About the project
(RE)CLAIMING THE VOID 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 aim to explore questions such as: How public is a public space? How can private spaces and activities be reimagined as public? What happens when we occupy spaces traditionally reserved for other uses?
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.
The exchange consists of 8 participants from Ghent and 8 participants from Bologna who will first meet in Italy for a week to explore and research these themes together and learn from each other's history and culture. Afterwards the entire group travels to Ghent to dive deeper into the creation process and take to the streets in a form that feels relevant and necessary to the group.
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 our cities?
Cultural differences: exploring the distinct ways public spaces are used and experienced in Bologna and Ghent.
Occupying spaces: creative actions such as picnics or parties in parking spaces for example: how can these acts transform the way we view and use these areas?
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.
What do we offer?
Co-creation: 2 open co-creation weeks in a safe space. We provide space for intercultural meetings, exchange and learning from each other.
Financial: all costs of travel, accommodation, lunch and dinner will be provided by the project. Breakfast and additional expenses for own account
Participation details
Timeline: The project will kick off in 2025, and we expect participants to be available and engaged for the entire period (3 - 9 March)
Ghent → Bologna:
3 March: Ghent travel day to Bologna
4 March →8 March: creation process in Bolo with entire group
9 March: travel day for the Ghentians back to Ghent
Output: There is no forced form for the end result—whether it's a performance, installation, or another medium, the final output will be shaped by the group’s vision.
Location: The project will take place in Bologna, Italy and Ghent, Belgium.
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: All submissions must be received by 30 November 2024.
Contact: For more information and to submit your application, please contact Astrid via reclaimingthevoid@gmail.com
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