The interpretation, importance and even the very definition of public space has been under enormous pressure this past year. Luckily, great pressure often leads to valuable learnings and outcomes. Critically approaching and ultimately reinventing public space assumes a central role in the challenges we face today. Not only are traditional social systems and structures changing rapidly, but for the first time in our lifetime, we’ve experienced the devastating effects of a pandemic on public space.
The European project ‘Sound Art in Public Spaces: reinventing public space (for all)’ investigates how people from different backgrounds interpret public space and looks at to what extent it is (in)accessible to them. Five artists will be invited to take a critical look at how public space is perceived for and by various groups in a society under unprecedented pressure, as a result of this health crisis. What has been the most important function of public space throughout this pandemic? And (how) should it shift in a post-pandemic future? How can we, as a society, reinvent public space if we want it to be an inclusive and equal environment for humans, regardless of their income, place of residence, gender, age, cultural or religious background?
Sounds Now is looking for a curator who will become the central point of contact for the five partners of Sounds Now on the one hand and the selected sound artists on the other.
Profile:
-
You have experience in production / project management.
-
You have experience in the field of sound art.
-
You rely on an extensive network in the sound art world.
-
You have a proven track record in and have an eye for diversity and inclusivity, two key factors in this Sounds Now initiative.
-
You can envision, develop and execute an artistic project.
-
You are inventive and creative and aren’t put off by the current (travel) restrictions.
Responsibilities:
- Your task is to present an artistic concept that explores the future of an inclusive public space.
- In consultation with the festival partners you will select five artists who will each create a sound art installation for this project. Their work should be presented at every partaking festival, taking into account the current traveling restrictions.
- You are also charged with budget control, research and implementation of the artists’ work in different locations in Europe.
- You are the first point of contact for the production team of every festival.
Their sound art installation will be presented by 5 partners of Sounds Now at their according festival: Wilde Westen (Belgium) in October 2021; November Music (Netherlands), 5-14 November 2021; SPOR festival (Denmark) in 2022; Onassis Stegi (Greece) in 2022; and Ultima Oslo Contemporary Music Festival (Norway) in 2022.
You will be allocated a total budget of 5000 euro + travel expenses as a curator.
