DEADLINE EXTENDED TO OCTOBER 31, 2016
Workshop West Playwrights’ Theatre is proud to present Black Arts Matter (BAM!), a new arts festival to be held in conjunction with CANOE 2017. Curated by WWPT Artistic Associate Nasra Adem, BAM! is interested in honouring the following questions, using the vibrancy of the Edmonton community and various creative lenses:
- What does it mean to be Black in amiskwaciwâskahikan (Edmonton), and in Canada?
- What does it then mean to be a Black artist? What specific histories have come together to mould these experiences?
- What is the Black experience? What is Blackness?
- How do we ask the questions while living out the answers?
This is a call out to Black-identifying, Edmonton-based artists and workshop facilitators to submit works to be featured at Black Arts Matter—a 3-day festival (during Canoe which runs February 9-12th) centred around Black artistry, intellect and expressiveness.
We’re looking for Black artists across disciplines and experience levels—poets, storytellers, musicians, dancers, theatre artists—to showcase their brilliance and creative potential. We understand that Blackness can mean different things to different people. As such, the festival welcomes the various ways that Blackness intersects with gender, culture, class, faith, language and mixed-race identities, among others.
Artists please submit:
- Descriptions of your piece(s) (5-60 minutes)
- Examples of your work
- Anything that will help us understand who you are (bio, press, media etc)
BAM! will also hold space for workshops and panel discussions related to Black life and creativity. The festival is open to discussions that encompass, but are not limited to, the following topics:
- Black history in Alberta/Canada
- New age of Black activism
- Diaspora
- Funding creativity while Black
- Creating in white spaces
- Queer liberation
- Art and appropriation
- Art and gentrification
- & more!
If you are a Black educator/facilitator that is interested in facilitating a workshop (max 60 minutes) on these or other subjects, please submit:
- Workshop proposal (including duration and materials needed).
- Resumé and/or letters of reference.
Black Arts Matter Spoken Word Program
Nationally celebrated and championship winning spoken word performer and teacher Brandon Wint is helping to launch a new, exciting and comprehensive program through Black Arts Matter. This spoken word/mentorship program is an opportunity for 10 young writers of all experience levels to take part in the festival, while developing and enhancing their writing and performance skills. The group will meet twice a month between November 2016 and February 2017 with a focus on writing, stage presence and authentic storytelling.
If interested please share with us why you’re interested or what you hope to gain and at least 1 example of your work (video accepted).
ARTISTS, FACILITATORS SUBMIT TO: artisticassociate.bam@gmail.com.
SPOKEN WORD MENTORSHIP PROGRAM: brandonwint.bam@gmail.com.
DEADLINE TO SUBMIT: OCTOBER 14, 2016.
Any questions or concerns, email Nasra Adem: artisticassociate.bam@gmail.com.
