Arts Centre Melbourne and the Metro Tunnel Creative Program (MTCP) have announced an open Expression of Interest (EOI), inviting Deaf and disabled artists and collaborating allies to create a participatory work incorporating themes of movement, repetition and time.
The selected project will receive funding to the total of $40,000 (via auspice by Performing Lines) to create a new-site responsive performance work, activating non-traditional and highly visible spaces in the Arts Centre Melbourne precinct, with the project planned to feature in an event in late 2021.
“The Metro Tunnel Creative Program presents temporary creative works that make a significant contribution to keeping Melbourne a vibrant and attractive destination as the city transforms its commuter routes towards the future,” said Yunuen Perez, Arts Centre Melbourne’s Creative Producer, Public Realm.
“Their collaborative approach to engage the local artistic community to deliver art and performance works of international calibre aligns with Arts Centre Melbourne’s vision for the public realm.”
Arts Centre Melbourne’s partnership with the Metro Tunnel Creative Program was forged due to the fact that both organisations are managing disruption near the theatres buildings. Conversations began about how they could create lively spaces while offering an opportunity to Victoria’s artists.
“We thought it was a good opportunity for both organisations to join together and manage these changes while championing the arts,” said Linda Cantan, Package Director, Tunnels & Stations, Rail Projects Victoria.
The selected work for this project will be adjudicated by a Public Realm Performance Commission selection panel that includes representatives from Arts Centre Melbourne and the Metro Tunnel Creative Program, alongside artists and cultural leaders with lived experience of disability and artists with First Nations representation.
“The collaboration with Metro Tunnel Creative Program is an unprecedented opportunity open to Deaf and disabled artists to realise a creative work in the public realm,” added Yunuen Perez. “We are interested in hearing from artists exploring the social and inclusive dimension of participation and accessibility in performance, making visible the relationships between performer and audience.”
Performing Lines will work directly with selected artists to support the producing processes, responding to the specific administration, financial and production requirements for the selected project.
The EOI is open to Victoria-based Deaf and disabled artists, collaborating allies and collectives welcoming all genres that engage and foster audience participation. The expected outcomes are a work in progress delivering a new performance work upon completion of creative development no later than 1 July 2021.
Arts Centre Melbourne has provided an information video for potential applicants with MTCP and ACM representatives featured to answer questions that participants may have regarding the EOI process or broader program.
The Metro Tunnel Creative Program has been developed to maintain Melbourne’s vibrancy, liveability and public engagement during the construction impacts of the Metro Tunnel Project. It features activities delivered by a team of designers, curators and place managers dedicated to enhancing city life alongside the construction of the Metro Tunnel. It also commissions Victoria’s talented creatives to provide a different interpretation of this city-shaping project – through music, writing, art and performance.
Expressions of Interest for the Public Realm Performance Commission are now open and close 5.00pm – Friday 30 October 2020. For more information and guidelines, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Arts Centre Melbourne – photo by Mark Gambino