The English Folk Dance and Song Society (EFDSS) has launched a new scheme offering creative residencies at its London base.
The initiative is open to individuals or groups who want to explore their creative potential and the English traditions by undertaking a residency at Cecil Sharp House to research and develop new work.
The creative residencies are open to professional artists across all sectors – from classical composers and contemporary dancers to poets, musicians or visual artists – not just those working within the folk arts.
EFDSS is keen to hear from artists who are interested in exploring the potential of working cross-genre, cross-arts, or cross-culture to create work that has the potential to go on tour.
Successful applicants will be offered bursaries in the region of £2,000 to cover fees and expenses, together with rehearsal space and the opportunity to share the outcome of their work at Cecil Sharp House, as well as support and guidance for the future development of their work.
Applications opened on May 1 and must be submitted by June 30. The residencies will run from September 2012 to March 2013. It is envisaged that three awards will be made.
Neil Pearson, EFDSS’ Artist Development and Programming Manager, said:
“We hope to attract applications from artists working within all art forms who wish to explore the creative potential of the English folk arts.
“Our funding decision will focus on the quality of the application and how well it meets our main criteria, which are strength of the artistic vision, impact on the artists’ professional development and the potential for future performances and development.
“We know that there is a wealth of talent out there and sometimes artists need the support of a scheme like this to bring their ideas to life. We would be interested in hearing from both emerging and established artists.”
For more information or to apply for a creative residency, go to www.efdss.org.
Completed application forms can be returned to via email to neil@efdss.org or to Cecil Sharp House, 2 Regent’s Park Road, London, NW1 7AY.