ArtReach producers of Journeys Festival International are seeking artistic proposals from artists who have sought sanctuary in Europe aged between 18 – 30 based in Europe making work for the digital realm, whose freedom of movement is or has been restricted or negatively impacted because of their immigration status. 

In recent months across Europe, people’s freedom of movement has been restricted due to national policies to slow the spread of Covid-19. For many people this is the first time their personal freedom of movement has been limited in this way. This has caused unfamiliar feelings of fear, frustration, inconvenience and unfairness. But for people experiencing forced migration due to fleeing war and persecution in their home countries, this is the situation they have to live with every day and for many it can last many years, sometimes decades. 

 

Journeys Festival International will be exploring this comparison by connecting young artists based in Europe who face travel restrictions due to their immigration status with UK based creatives to create new digital artworks that can be shared online. We are looking for artists with experience of making work for the digital realm to submit ideas for new artworks that explore the theme of freedom of movement, this includes, but is not limited to; film, video, animation, live streams of performances or performance scores, recorded music or soundscapes. The works will be curated by Mandla Rae and the ArtReach team and will be shared as part of the digital Journeys Festival International programme in October 2020. 

The project aims to focus on the positive impact of creative integration through art and culture, helping to forge a new sense of identity and place (both locally and Europe-wide) with a strong focus on young people’s experiences and reflections at a time of significant change for Europe.

This is a paid opportunity and artists should have the right to work in their country of residence. We are offering an artist fee inclusive of all materials, of 1,500 Euros for each selected new work. 

To submit your idea please send the following to with LIBERTY EU – FREEDOM OF MOVEMENT PROPOSAL in the subject line

  • Artist statement – this could be written (max 1 side of A4) or recorded and must include:
    • An introduction to you and your work
    • Your date of birth
    • Country of Residence 
    • Nationality
  • A link to your past work online or your CV/ portfolio
  • A brief description of your idea for the starting point of your work maximum 2 sides of A4 and please include any reference or inspirational images. 

Where necessary, we will organise a follow up meeting via video link to discuss proposals further.

The deadline for submissions is Friday 29th May 2020 at 5pm

Follow up meetings: week commencing Monday 8th June 2020

 

Criteria for applicants

All applicants must be:

  • Between the age of 18 – 30
  • Resident in a European country
  • Have had their freedom of movement restricted due to immigration status
  • Have the right to work in their country of residence