CounterPULSE Artist in Residence Program 

Next Application Deadline: Monday June 30th, 5pm

Late or incomplete Applications will not be accepted

<click here> to download an application 

The CounterPULSE Artist in Residence (AIR) Program consists of two four-month residencies (June-September & November-February) during which four local artists or companies (two per session) develop and perform new work.  We are currently accepting applications for the November 2008 - February 2009 session, which will culminate with a performance March 5-8, 2009. 

About the program

The AIR program has evolved in direct response to the needs of artists.  It is designed to offer maximum support for experimentation and risk-taking by lifting many of the responsibilities associated with self-production.  Elements of the program include:

• Studio Space-- Artists receive 70 hrs. of studio space between November 2008 and February 2009, and have the luxury of developing their work in the space where it will be performed.
• Work-in-Progress Showings-- Artists participate in monthly work-in-progress showings where they receive and offer feedback on each other's work using the Critical Response Process developed by Liz Lerman.  The final two showings are open to the public.
• Performances-- The work developed during the residency is presented during one weekend of shared performances, March 5-8, 2008.  We cover production costs and artists receive payment for their work.  These performances frequently receive press coverage.
• Additional Opportunities-- Artists may have the opportunity to work with paid mentors, and may also have the opportunity to teach master classes as part of the Artist in Residence Program.
• Long-Term Support-- CounterPULSE supports artists and their work long after the residency period has ended.  We work to create connections with other presenters that will enable the work to tour, and we frequently present or co-present full-length works developed by former Artists in Residence.

 

Who we’re looking for

CounterPULSE is seeking emerging and mid-career Bay Area artists and companies who:

• Are making exciting and innovative movement-based performance (dance, dance theater, physical theater, butoh, etc.)
• Are interested in participating in artistic feedback sessions and are excited by the possibilities of cross-pollination with other artists
• Are willing to fully and enthusiastically participate in promotion and publicity for residency activities
• Can clearly articulate their proposed project and where they are in their process.  (We are open to supporting both the beginning stages of new works, as well as the completion and premiere of works-in-progress.)
• Can clearly articulate why CounterPULSE is a good home for their work
• Can demonstrate the existence of an audience for their work

 

What we expect

Becoming an Artist in Residence at CounterPULSE involves a commitment to participating in the CounterPULSE community, and openness to working collaboratively with staff and fellow artists.  We expect our Artists in Residence to:

• Remain in the Bay Area for the majority of the residency period.
• Attend events at CounterPULSE. Artists receive complimentary tickets, and may be asked to speak or present short performances at CounterPULSE events, including fundraisers.
• Provide volunteer support for publicity, including flyering and postering.
• Participate in monthly work-in-progress showings.
• Provide content for community outreach materials, including the CounterPULSE blog.
• Maintain a long-term relationship with CounterPULSE, and credit CounterPULSE as a co-commissioner of the work developed during the residency. 
  

Financial Details

Each Artist/Company in Residence receives a support package valued at over $7,000 that includes:

• 50% (25% per artist or company) of box office proceeds
• A stipend of $1,000, payable directly to the artist
• An additional $1,000 budget for production costs, administered by CounterPULSE
• 70 hours of rehearsal space over the course of 4 months (a value of over $1,200)
• Publicity, technical support, and documentation for performances (a value of over $3,000) 
  

Our curatorial philosophy

We are open to many different proposals from a wide variety of artists, and there are no hard and fast rules about who we will select. However, we tend to choose applicants who:

• Blend more than one performance genre or discipline. Collaboration with other artists is strongly encouraged.
• Are community-based and socially aware. We are interested in work that addresses current social, political or environmental issues.
• Have a distinct and compelling vision for how they would like to take advantage of CounterPULSE’s physical space and organizational resources. 
  

We particularly encourage queer artists, artists of color, and artists with disabilities to apply. 

For more information, call 415-626-2060 or email info@counterpulse.org