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Description
The proposed project focuses on curatorial exchange in the field of performance art between the Y events curator collective, represented by Petr Dlouhý and Anna Chrtková, and the Norwegian curator Franziska Siegrist from the Performance Art Bergen.
One of the programme lines of the Theatre X10 in Prague, the Y events explore the boundaries of theatre and their intersections with the medium of performance, visual art and contemporary theory, as well as research on specific themes and audience participation. The core of Y events is synergistic events that connect artists across genres, emphasize the participation of the audience and explore established themes from different perspectives.
During the 2 years of its existence, the curator tandem has built up a distinctive practice that is quite unique in the Czech context. This practice is based on individual events that take place in both physical and online spaces and oscillate between theatrical performance and performance exhibition. Each event is preceded by curator research that enables a profound reflection of the subject matter.
This project includes 2 residencies for the curator team of Y events and the Performance Art Bergen team in the partner country. These residencies enable curator research on the art scene in the partner country, the development of the teams’ practice and the research of the topic of "shared environments" in collaboration with local theorists. The outcome of these residencies will be 3 events in Prague and Kutná Hora. The first event in Prague will take place in the presence of the Norwegian artists, the second in collaboration with a Norwegian curator. The third event will take place in Kutná Hora and will develop the practices included in the first two events.
The project will involve 11 Czech and 2 Norwegian artists, 2 Czech and 1 Norwegian curator and 1 Czech and 1 Norwegian theorist.
Summary of project results
Thanks to the project, applicant have been able to develop their curatorial series Y Events (running since 2019) and to ensure decent conditions for everyone involved. The project has allowed us to reach new audiences, establish collaborations with new artists and increase the capacity of the curatorial team. The main challenge for us has been to learn how to create interdisciplinary events that touch on socially relevant topics, and how to build new international partnerships and develop networks
The project''s activities were built on four pillars: management, publicity, research and public art events.
Management meant focusing on internal organisational structure, strengthening the team working for Theatre X10 and Y Events and improving the management experience and skills. Activities included organising all public and internal events and project management.
Publicity focused on improving communication with audiences and attracting new audiences. The communications plan was created and this helped to establish basic communications strategies and develop new approaches to PR.
Research included a residency for the Y Events curatorial team and applicant''s partner organisation PAB. The research gave an ample time to develop curatorial concepts while learning about the art scene in our partner country. The research residency also allowed to focus on the development of Y Events for the future.
The main outputs of the project were three public events. More than 15 artists were involved. One was created in collaboration with a Nor curator and one with two Nor artists. In total over 1000 visitors were attracted. The events of the project were unique in their interdisciplinary approach and in the format of the "performative exhibitions" themselves, which Y Events has been the only one in CZ. Thanks to the work in management and publicity we were able to achieve good results.
The main purpose of the project was to develop the already existing Y Events activity and the creation of interdisciplinary events. Thanks to the project the applicant was able to reach a state of organic growth, to develop in slowly improving conditions and to build a more stable position for Y Events to operate in the future. We learned the role research plays in our industry and how it can have a positive impact on the events themselves (preparation, higher attendance, management, expanded network).
Summary of bilateral results
The connection with the partner organisation Performance Art Bergen was crucial to the success of the project. Our partnership was built on mutual interest in our activities, which allowed us to gradually build a quality relationship in which we shared our curatorial practices, the conditions in which we work and the challenges we face. The partner organisation provided the Y Events curatorial team with a residency, consistent links with the local art scene and information about the local context. This knowledge and new contacts then informed the way the Y Events team developed public events and added international artists and curatorial approaches to the interdisciplinary space.