We are inviting applications from artists with a
collaborative/participative approach to undertake a residency in Pontypool that
will draw out and address issues of physical, social, cultural, and
environmental connectivity across Pontypool and between Pontypool and its
surrounding area. This will involve considering the links between communities,
the exploration of cultural tensions, and the relationship between the urban
and the rural presented by Pontypool’s heritage landscape. Taking place from
August 2012 to January 2013, the residency will act as a pilot project for the
Arts Council of Walesʼ Residency Programme and will be an
integral part of an Arts and Humanities Research Council Networking
Grant funded research project called In-between: Cultural Regeneration in Market
Towns, being led by Intersections (a research unit based at Newcastle
University), which is examining how participative public arts and artistsʼ practice may impact on the communities, identities and economies of
market towns – working with Pontypool in South Wales, Dumfries in South West
Scotland and Hexham in North East England.
This opportunity is open to UK and International
Artists.
Applicants must demonstrate:
• Creative originality and professionalism in
their work
• The ability and desire to work collaboratively
with the public and other partners as part of their creative practice
• A willingness to immerse themselves in the life
and culture of the area
• An understanding of the issues of connectivity
(and the paradoxical tensions) inherent within regeneration schemes and
partnership working
• A critical awareness of the roles that artists
and cultural activity may/may not play in the regeneration of urban areas
• The artist must be aware of and abide by the
laws for working with children and vulnerable adults, should they undertake
such work as part of the residency. In the event of manufacture/installation of
artworks by the artist, the artist must demonstrate current and appropriate
indemnity insurance relevant to the artist in person and to any object/s to be
manufactured.