More information
Description
The project will significantly strengthen the artistic cooperation between the three cultural houses / cultural centers, which for many years have shaped and created the conditions for creation for artists from many artistic genres and thus actively supported (and are still supporting) professional contemporary art. Studio ALTA (Czech Republic / Prague), Baerum Kulturhus (Norway / Sandvika) and Black Box Theater (Norway / Oslo).
Within the framework of this bilateral cooperation project, activities supporting the creation of new performances and artistic projects will be realized by 4 artistic residences, 3 co-productions, 2 performances of Norwegian artists in the Czech Republic and 1 Czech premiere in Baerum Kulturhus in Norway, 2 Czech premieres at Studio ALTA (in Prague) and reprises of the performances in Prague and regions of the Czech Republic.
Artists from the Czech Republic, Norway and Iceland will be involved in the artistic cooperation. For the project, each partner selected a group of prominent contemporary artists who develop and combine contemporary dance, Performing Arts, visual arts and new media. Our project is, therefore, a multidisciplinary project. During the implementation of the project there will also be three activities directly strengthening the capacity of artists (discussions, courses) and at least 6 activities strengthening the capacity of cultural organizations (sharing experience and skills, developing common themes, workshops and courses).
Summary of project results
The project strengthened the awareness of contemporary performance art and also strengthened the capacity of artists and cultural workers. It has created a space for stable cooperation between the three cultural houses and a strengthening of experience between the Czech and Norwegian environment.
Problems in implementation: the covid19 pandemic - several changes in the project schedule, rising prices on the market.
The outcome of the project was the promotion of contemporary art, which took place through the implementation of 33 events for the public, attended by 1110 spectators of all generations. The activities were attracting new audiences for the contemporary performance art. Capacity development of cultural workers and artists was supported, involving a total of 202 people, sharing their practices and gaining new knowledge. A sustainable bilateral partnership of 3 organisations was created.
Within the project 2 new Czech performances were created and artistic collectives from the Czech Republic and Norway were supported. For Studio ALTA it was - Lukáš Karásek and tYhle: Obývák and Ufftenživot: WHOMAN. Both performances were presented in Prague and regions of the Czech Republic and expanded the genre to new audiences. WHOMAN has also been presented in Norway. There have been 2 artist residencies of Czech artists in Norway (Ufftenživot, Hana Polanská and Marie Gourdain) and 2 residencies of Norwegian artists in Prague (Magnus Myh and col., Ludvig Daae and col.), thus creating an important cultural exchange and an exceptional opportunity for both sides.
Furthermore, there was an intensive bilateral partnership and knowledge sharing between cultural colleagues.
Many activities were implemented that strengthened both Czech and Norwegian artists and cultural workers (Group of Followers, Pitch course, Artist&Venues round table formats, etc.).
The project promoted awareness of contemporary art and trends in the Czech and Norwegian independent scene. It has strengthened training and experience sharing opportunities for cultural workers and artists. It strengthened the audience base and started new partnerships. Promoted intergenerational connections and opened up important social issues. Enabled Czech-Norwegian cultural exchange.
Summary of bilateral results
The partnership cooperation was mainly based on exchange and sharing of experience between the 3 cultural organizations, but the artistic exchange was also essential. Both Norwegian partners together with Studio ALTA designed many activities that were important for the project. For example, the Group of followers at Oslo International Festivak (Black BOX Teater), the artist residencies in Norway, the partners meeting in Norway, the launch of work in progress WHOMAN and the subsequent performance of WHOMAN at Baerum Kulturhus. In general the project consisted in creating a strong partnership between 3 cultural organisations and this was achieved thanks to the efforts of all partners. The cooperation was fully realized. The cooperation has undoubtedly led to an increased understanding between Czech and Norwegian artists and participants in the various activities.The partnership between the cultural organisations did not end with the end of the project. On the contrary, online meetings have already taken place to discuss the continuous cooperation in the artist residency programme between Black Box Teater and Studio ALTA. And Studio ALTA will continue to work with both Norwegian partners to share knowledge and experience in the programmes that have been developed during the project /Artist to Venues/. At the same time, thanks to the cooperation with Baerum Kulturhus, we managed to maintain contact with another cultural house - SPRANG, where the performance WHOMAN will take place in January 2025.