A message and callout opportunity from Homotopia:
‘As queer people, we’re likely to have experienced moments of crisis and uncertainty in our own identity and the way people treat us. As artists, we’re used to coming up with creative solutions to challenges.
Let’s find a positive, arts-based response to this time of crisis and uncertainty… that doesn’t have to mention COVID-19!
Homotopia is encouraging LGBTQIA artists to celebrate Queer Art Always. During this trying time let’s demonstrate the power of art to connect and unite us all.
We are offering seed commissions, ranging from £250 to £1,000 each.
We are looking for positive and imaginative ways for our audience to engage via non-traditional platforms, suitable for the current climate. We are especially interested in art that will reach across spatial divides, making those who are isolated feel connected as well as entertained.
We’re excited to hear about your ideas that go beyond live-streamed one-off performances. That’s not to say that we won’t consider backing live-streamed events, but we are encouraging artists to push the creative box.
This isn’t about responding to COVID-19 per se, rather it is demonstrating the power of art to inspire, connect and bring hope during a trying time.’
Who can apply?
Any performers, theatre-makers, film-makers, visual artists, writers, poets and small arts companies who identify as LGBTQIA.
Half of the commissions will be reserved for artists based in the North West (which includes Merseyside, Cheshire, Greater Manchester, Lancashire and parts of Cumbria).
You must have at least a 2 years track record of working as an artist, this does not mean you have to be regularly paid as an artist in this time, it means you should be able to prove your track record and commitment to your chosen art form.
Artists should be ready to begin work on their commissions right away with the delivery period April – June 2020.
What are we looking for?
Like all the artists we work with, your work should be queer, challenging, high–quality and relevant.
The medium is up to you, but it must be appropriate to current public health advice regarding social distancing, therefore it might be audio recording, video, a visual response, an interactive digital response or something we haven’t even thought of yet!
Pieces must be original, and not from an artist’s existing work, unless it is truly relevant and timely to do so, such as a digital realisation or element of a pre-existing R&D. If the work replicates pre-existing copyrighted content (particularly music), it should do so creatively, and be flagged in the application.
The work must be accessible and we will work with you on captioning, audio descriptions and other access elements, if required.
It must be work that can be shared and promoted by Homotopia online.
What will you receive?
– Between £250-£1,000 commission: Please cost this relative to the size and scale of the project as well as you can. In other words, we are realistic about the scope of the possible projects and are not expecting a fully researched and written 60-minute new show for £1,000!
– Some artistic/producing support: Starting with an initial Zoom meeting with Homotopia’s Producer to talk through logistics, timeline and idea.
– Marketing support in promoting the commission.
The relationship with Homotopia as a commissioner
For each commission, we will agree a timeline and key milestones, with full funds administered on completion of the commission. Rather than just yes/no to submissions, we will work with artists who have great ideas to directly address logistical issues relating to copyright/explicit content/access – so don’t be afraid to present raw ideas, and also don’t be surprised if we ask you to change things.
How to apply
Please fill in the Queer Art Always application form (find it at this page) and return to hello@homotopia.net. These applications will be reviewed by the Homotopia team after each deadlines.
If you wish to apply via video or audio file please send a Dropbox folder link or similar to hello@homotopia.net. Keep this to a maximum of 8 minutes, and include essential contact details (phone and email), name, and address in the email.
First deadline: Wednesday 8 April at 12 noon
Second deadline: Wednesday 22 April at 12 noon
In the application we do not require an in-depth budget however, it would be useful to see your costings. At least 60% of the total budget should be the artist’s fee, and we are happy for 100% of the budget to be artist’s fee where relevant. Make sure you state on the form the exact amount of funding you require for this project.
We strongly encourage applications from folks who are currently underrepresented in the arts, which might include queer D/deaf and disabled artists and QTIPOC artists.