Amphibian Stage seeks Texas filmmakers, directors, movement directors, choreographers, animators, performance artists, and other creatives for a project to be presented in Re-Fest, CultureHub’s annual festival that brings together artists, activists, and technologists to explore our role in re-shaping the future. CultureHub is a global art and technology community founded by La MaMa in New York City and Seoul Institute of the Arts in Korea. The project, titled Odes For a World In Search of Joy, is inspired by Pablo Neruda’s Odes to Common Things and seeks to inspire a celebration of the simple human-made things that we take for granted but that bring joy. Neruda wrote odes to ordinary items with such glee and admiration that the reader cannot help but see each one in a new way and feel uplifted. We seek to capture this spirit. This project is also intended to support our creative community through innovative opportunities.
Selected artists can receive between $2000 to $4000 (depending on the scope of the project) for the creation of a 5 to 7-minute video that fits the intent of the project as described above. The piece need not necessarily be a poem, though it can be. Work can be entirely movement, film, or animation-based without any words at all, as long as it clearly focuses on the beauty and/or utility of a person-made object.
We encourage applicants to remember that screen fatigue is real, and therefore proposals should demonstrate a vivid, energetic, enthusiastic, innovative approach. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if you need assistance completing your proposal.
NOTE: If you are an artist who would be interested in participating but does not have a project to propose, send your resume and at least 1 work sample to info@amphibianstage.com with the subject line ODES: (YOUR NAME, DISCIPLINE) [ie ODES: MARTHA GONZALEZ, COMPOSER] Do not send attachments. Rather, include a link to a video, google doc, or Dropbox folder. Your information will be shared with any selected artists who are seeking collaborators within your discipline.
Timeline:
March 3 to 20 – submissions accepted via Submittable
March 25 – artist selection announced
April 5 – draft of work due for feedback
April 20 – final projects due with all needed documentation
April 22 – notes given by Artistic Staff of Amphibian
April 26 – revised projects due
May 1 – premiere
Application process:
1. Provide written description of the project with any sketches, videos, photographs or references that will give us the clearest picture of what you are envisioning.
2. Provide work samples. We prefer links to websites, YouTube or Vimeo videos, or google docs over large attachments.
3. Provide Curriculum Vitae for all collaborators on the team along with their role in the project.
4. Provide a detailed budget for the project, not to exceed $4000.
5. Outline the type of support (non-financial) you would need from Amphibian.
6. Provide 3 professional references.
7. If questions arise as we review your proposal, we will want to schedule a conversation. Please be sure to let us know the best way to reach you.
FAQ
1. Who can apply?
Any Texas creative or group of creatives with a compelling idea that fits the theme of the project. Not all collaborators in an applicant group must be based in Texas, however, lead applicant should be.
2. Who is ineligible?
We cannot accept applications from existing producing entities, whether for-profit or non-profit. (Persons who are currently affiliated with a producing entity may apply as individuals.)
3. How will participants be selected?
We are looking for innovative, visually exciting work presented by artists who have a proven track record of being able to create high-quality work on time and within budget. The selection of artists will demonstrate a diversity and breadth of world views and life experience.
4. How many projects will be selected?
We have a finite amount of money, so this depends on the budgets of selected projects.
5. What do you mean “notes given by Artistic Staff of Amphibian”?
Because this will be a series of works that we will put together into one cohesive evening of theatre, we reserve the right to give feedback and support to help each piece demonstrate its full potential and realize the desired vision. We also want to ensure that all work is of the highest quality and represents Amphibian’s standards. Think of it as support rather than criticism or interference.
6. How is payment managed?
The lead applicant will be given 50% of the approved award upon agreement of participation and 50% at end of project.
7. What if I have a great idea but don’t know any collaborators to help me realize my vision?
We are happy to help you assemble the team you need. We encourage you to spell this out in your application.
8. Who will retain the rights to my work?
Amphibian will retain the right to share the work on its own website and on the CultureHub website. Amphibian retains the right to use segments for promotional purposes and for highlights reels about our work. Amphibian and CultureHub will only offer the content free of charge. All other rights remain with the creators. Amphibian will not negotiate agreements between collaborators or with unions.
9. What if I have other questions?
Email us with the subject line: ODES QUESTION at info@amphibianstage.com Please do not call. We do respond within a few hours (except in the middle of the night, even though we are theatre vampires).
