Create programming changes due to Covid 19

What does socially engaged arts practice look like at a time of social distancing? Instinctively, we prefer to alter the language here. Along with the WHO we prefer to think in terms of physical distancing and social solidarity. At this time of physical distancing we need more than ever to amplify the means of social solidarity. In that spirit Create has been working with colleagues and partners to reimagine opportunities and supports for collaborative artists and community partners in these unprecedented times. We need more than ever to Connect, Create and Change. We are working to connect with you and to connect you to each other in new ways. We are working to create platforms that facilitate artists’ practices with communities of interest and place in this new reality. We are developing supports for initiatives that build cultural and social solidarity, so that we can continue the work for change.

For the foreseeable future, the Create team are working remotely. We are available via email and phone during office hours, offering virtual advisory sessions. The past few weeks have highlighted the importance of connection. We remain fully committed to advancing our work to connect and support artists and communities to develop their practice and realise projects of cultural value and social significance.

Please note the following changes to our programming and events:

Artist in the Community Scheme Awards

Round one:
Accepting Research and Development Awards ONLY.
Deadline extended from 30 March to 5.30pm, Monday 27 April 2020.

In recognition of the severe limitations in place due to physical distancing and the challenges this poses to Project Realisation proposals we will offer Research and Development Awards Only (both with and without mentoring) in Round One.

We welcome research and development proposals that, in particular, consider digital and virtual space as a valid and essential arena for collaborative artistic endeavour. Proposals may, but are not required to, explore collaborative arts practice in a time of pandemic and physical distancing.

For this round only, in light of the difficulties posed for artists in the current crisis, we are increasing the R&D Award amounts. Full details of these changes are available on the AIC Scheme awards page.

Create and Fire Station Artists’ Studios Artist Residency Award

Due to COVID-19, it is not possible to co-host the Create and Fire Station Artists’ Studios Artist Residency Award in June as planned and therefore we are necessarily exploring alternative dates. We will post an update when normal working frameworks have been re-established.

Summer School on Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice

We are currently researching a new autumn date to host the Summer School on Cultural Diversity and Collaborative Practice We will update you with the new date as soon as possible and adjust the callout and receipt of proposals accordingly.

Collaborative Practice in a Virtual World

We are pleased to announce the first of our online events with leading thinkers, practitioners and writers, in keeping with our strategic aim to benefit artists and communities across boundaries by harnessing digital technologies and virtual practices to enrich and disseminate collaborative arts work.

Archipelagic Imaginaries:  A world-centred art education at the end of the world by Dr. Glenn Loughran

Date: 15 April
Time: 12 noon – 2pm

In the first of our online critical conversations, artist and academic Glenn Loughran will present his recent research on art, education and archipelagic thinking. This research began in 2016 in the BA in Visual Art on Sherkin Island and has led to the development of a unique archipelagic MA Art and Environment in West Cork.

Professional Development Workshops for Artists

As part of our work developing targeted programming partnerships with arts organisations to advance collaborative practice across specific artforms and contexts and piloting collaborative learning platforms with a focus on the digital, we are pleased to announce:

Space, Place and Multiple Selves: Performing the relational field in socially engaged theatre by Outlandish Theatre Platform

Beginning 30 April

Considering notions of the body in space, this interactive online workshop series will engage artists and diverse community professionals and participants in an exploration of the relational quality of multiple performances of selves as a representation of (now digital) place. In their collaborative work with participants, Outlandish Theatre creates poly-vocal performances, creating uncanny choreographies and reveal glimpses of the places we inhabit. This CPD will illuminate the hidden and embodied nature of the kind of intersubjective exchange, which is central to collaborative practice, through online sessions.

Check Up Check In 2020

Due to the ongoing restrictions related to Covid 19, Arts + Health Check Up Check In 2020 has been postponed and will now take place on Monday 23 November at Draíocht in Blanchardstown, Dublin. The programme for this leading national arts and health event will remain unchanged, and includes a satellite workshop held on the 24th November, supported by Create. Artist Marielle MacLeman will host a workshop, entitled Trust, Risk, Recover – The Scope of Navigation, where she will explore the complexities and interplay of trust and risk through the creative and administrative processes of arts and health practice. The workshop will also include an online contribution from Glasgow-based performance artist Steven Anderson, and will take place at Draíocht, Blanchardstown.

Resources during COVID-19

This is a challenging time for artists and communities alike. As the national development agency for collaborative arts, we will continue to post relevant information and online resources for artists and community stakeholders, as the COVID-19 public health crisis evolves. We are available for one to one mentoring and advisory sessions as normal, or if you just want to get in touch, please do so on 01 4736600 or by email.