Tai Kwun is pleased to announce the second annual Open Call for Artists’ Studios, an initiative aimed at artists, practitioners, and researchers working in the fields of contemporary art, performing arts, and heritage, the three main programming spheres at Tai Kwun. Applications are open to all, with a strong preference for candidates who can demonstrate a strong connection to Hong Kong and ideally Tai Kwun (in terms of connection to the site as well as Tai Kwun’s programming). Up to four successful applicants will be eligible to work at the artists’ studios free of charge, in the historic former residential quarters (Block 06 and 07) within Tai Kwun, for a target duration of 3-6 months. The deadline for applications is Friday 18 September 2020.
Due to the overwhelming response, we are delighted to announce that ten applicants have been selected. They are Iv Tsz Man Chan (artist), Chang Yuchen (artist), Cold Ears Factory (artist collective), Dong Xianliang (researcher and theatre practitioner), IHAVENTSTARTEDEITHER (artist collective), Lai Yuk Ching (actor and researcher), Leung Lee Chi (writer), Man Mei To (artist), Debe Sham Hoi Yee (artist) and Wong Chun Hoi (artist).
Background:
With artists’ studios and residency apartments in the historic former residential quarters (Block 06 and 07) of Tai Kwun, Tai Kwun’s Residency Programme hosts artists, performers, art practitioners, curators, architects, researchers, writers, educators, and academics. In parallel with Tai Kwun’s diverse educational and public programming, the Residency Programme expands the depth of programming and fosters a wide-ranging network connecting artists, professionals, and the public, with the aim of spurring interdisciplinary collaboration and contributing to a flourishing art and cultural scene in Hong Kong. The goal is to enable artists and professionals in the creative spheres to develop their artistic and creative practices and to benefit from Tai Kwun and its partners’ networks; moreover, hosted guests also actively contribute to Tai Kwun’s engagement with the public.
The Space:
Each artist’s studio is around 40 m2 each, with 2 rooms. There is a working area, as well as a sleeping area (with showers); there is also minimal kitchenette plus a shared pantry. The residency programme is not designed for live-in residents; however, at Tai Kwun’s discretion, a live-in residency can be entertained.
The artist’s studio will be made available for free to the successful candidate. No transportation allowance or any other stipend will be provided.
Target Candidates:
The successful candidate should ideally be an artist, performer, art practitioner, curator, architect, researcher, writer, educator, or academic, working in the field of contemporary art, performing arts, or heritage. The successful candidate should preferably demonstrate a strong connection to Hong Kong and ideally Tai Kwun (in terms of connection to the site as well as Tai Kwun’s programming).
Applications will be evaluated based on the artistic, creative, and academic merit of the candidates, particularly with regards to the degree to which the successful candidate can gain a rewarding, enriching experience at Tai Kwun, as well as how the successful candidate can contribute to contemporary art, performing arts, and heritage in Hong Kong.
Each artist, artist-collective, practitioner or researcher is allowed to submit one proposal only. Submissions by commercial galleries or with commercial intentions will not be accepted.
Duration:
3-6 months (from April 2021 to March 2022)
How to apply:
- Applicants have to submit a proposal of max. 800 words in English or 1500 characters in Chinese that includes an explanation as to how and why Tai Kwun’s residency programme will be relevant and rewarding for the applicant’s artistic/creative practice.
- Applicants should also submit an introduction or overview of the applicant’s experience/artistic practice, with up to 10 images, no larger than 10MB in total.
- The proposal can be submitted in English or Chinese.
- Applications need to be submitted in digital format to:opencall@taikwun.hk
- Submission deadline: Friday 18 September 2020
Selection Process
Submissions are evaluated by a committee that includes representatives of Tai Kwun Contemporary as well as field experts.
Submissions are evaluated based on the following: the applicant’s artistic/academic merit; the residency’s benefit to the applicant’s professional development; the residency’s contribution to the art scene in Hong Kong; the application’s potential for interdisciplinary collaborations; and the potential interaction or contribution to Tai Kwun programming.
Obligations
The successful artist-in-residence may be required to take part in the minimum of one public programming event (talk, sharing, etc). The artist-in-residence may also be required to take part in an Open Studio event, where public visitors may learn about artistic creation.
The successful artist-in-residence must comply with the rules of Tai Kwun, particularly in connection to the preservation of heritage buildings.
