Conversations on Performance
The call for applications for this program has ended on December 8, 2024.
Une version similaire de ce programme existe pour les artistes et les critiques francophones. Informez-vous sur les Rencontres internationales ici.
Open call for Theatre/Dance Artists and Critics in the Performing Arts (25-35 Years Old)
+ Theatre and dance artists: directors, playwrights, choreographers, performers, designers and anyone with a performing arts practice
+ Critics: dance and theatre critics, specialized journalists, or academics enrolled in a graduate program interested in contemporary performing arts practices
Conversations on Performance is an international 8-day seminar taking place from May 27 to June 3, 2025 as part of the 19th edition of Festival TransAmériques (May 22 to June 5, 2025).
Gathering around twenty emerging professional artists and critics aged 25 to 35, from Quebec, Canada and abroad, Conversations on Performance takes the form of a seminar held in English and includes workshops and conversations with the Festival’s artists and the wider arts community in Montreal/Tio’tia:ke. Participants are encouraged to expand their ideas about contemporary theatre and dance, to share their experiences with different artistic realities and their critical thinking. A cultural mediator, Leslie Baker, will follow the group throughout the project.
Objectives
+ Encouraging emerging artistic practices by circulating ideas and intermingling disciplines and diverse creative contexts;
+ Enriching the professional and artistic approach of participants by giving them the opportunity to discover other artists’ practices and attend contemporary dance and theatre performances from Quebec and abroad;
+ Stimulating conversations and exchange with other artists and critics.
Eligibility Criteria
+ At least two years of professional experience as a theatre or dance artist, or a critic in the performing arts
+ Good spoken English
+ Being within the age range of 25-35
The ideal candidates will demonstrate open-mindedness, strong intellectual curiosity, and a desire to engage fully in enriching exchanges.
Activities
+ A selection of FTA shows
+ Discussions and critical analysis related to the shows
+ Conversations with FTA artists
+ Workshops and round tables with guest critics and artists
Conversations on Performance is a demanding seminar that runs on an intense daily schedule. Participants must commit to the entirety of the programme.
Practical Information
$295 CAD / participant
Included:
+ The tickets to the FTA and OFFTA shows included in the schedule
+ 8 days of activities with a professional mediator
Not included:
+ Meals
+ International transportation (if applicable)
+ Local transportation
+ Personal expenses
+ Accommodation*
+ Tickets for optional shows **
* Special rate available at university residence
** Optional shows may not be in conflict with seminar schedule.
Please provide:
+ A motivation letter (one page) presenting relevant professional experience. The letter must answer the following questions:
- What is your motivation to participate in Conversations on Performance?
- What will you bring to the program, and how will you benefit from it?
- How is your work influenced by the privileges you have or by the artistic, social or political issues you want bring forward?
+ Resume – please include your age
Please submit your application until December 8, 2024 to [email protected].
Participants will be selected by December 18, 2024.
Can I present my own artistic work to the other participants during the programme?
The seminar is not designed as a platform for participants’ performances. Any appointments you wish to make during your stay in Montreal in addition to the planned programme must be made outside the seminar schedule.
I speak both French and English. Which programme should I apply for?
We suggest that you apply in the language with which you are most comfortable. You may also want to consider the exact dates of the seminar and the possibility of financial support from LOJIQ for the French-speaking programme to make a decision.
Where can I find information on funding for travel and accommodation costs?
If you are a francophone applying from Canada, contact Selwa Abou-el-aazm at [email protected]. If you are applying from France or Germany, please consult the OFQJ and Goethe-Institute Montreal platforms.
Why do participants from certain countries or regions receive extra funding while others don’t?
Within Quebec, LOJIQ prioritises the participation of people living outside Montreal/Tio’tia:ke. They have to abide by certain rules regarding support for Francophones from the rest of the world. We are working to develop more equitable partnerships for international mobility.
Can FTA help me with my visa application?
Yes, FTA will send you a letter of invitation to support your application for a Canadian visa. Each selected candidate is responsible for submitting his or her visa application as soon as possible, for following up on it and for informing FTA as soon as it is submitted. FTA will provide support and may even be able to resolve certain issues.
What happens if I don’t receive my visa in time for the programme?
Your participation will be postponed to the following year, and the participation fee will be refunded in its entirety.
I may not be available full-time for the whole length of the programme. Can I participate anyway?
No. Participation in the seminar requires candidates to be available for the whole length of the programme.
I don’t feel at ease in group discussions and I don’t like to follow a fixed schedule. Is this programme going to work for me?
No. The programme’s objectives of making your voice heard and listening to others’ voices can only be achieved if all participants follow the planned activities. However, if you have accessibility needs, please let us know and we will do our best to accommodate them.
Terms for international support
All applicants from countries not listed below need to submit their application directly to [email protected].
For all details concerning registration fees and submissions, please consult the Goethe-Institut Montréal website.
Contact
Caroline Gagnon
Coordinator of the Cultural Program
Goethe-Institut Montréal
514 499 0159 + 107
[email protected]
Thank you to the participants of Conversations on Performance 2024!
Australia
Ashleigh Musk
Canada
Celia Green – Ontario
Hoor Malas – Quebec
Norah Paton – Yukon
Robert J Azevedo – Newfoundland
Sarah Finn – British-Columbia + New York
Shervin Zarkalam – British-Columbia
Tia Ashley Kushniruk – Alberta
Germany
Venetsiana Kalampaliki
Japan
Shawn Kanda Farrell
Mali
Bibata Ibrahim Maiga
Rwanda
Michael Sengazi
Partners
+ Goethe-Institut Montréal
+ The Saison Foundation, Tokyo
Information and questions
Laeticia Philantrope (She/Her)
Mediation and Audience Outreach Coordinator
Ophélie Gemme (She/Her)
Mediation and Audience Outreach Assistant
514 842 0704 + 26
[email protected]
