Selected artists announced and delegate registration opens
Published 21 April 2011
50 artists and companies from England have been chosen to present work at the fifth decibel Performing Arts Showcase in Manchester from 13-16 September 2011. The week in Manchester will also include a seminar on Beyond Cultural Diversity - a Third Text publication in partnership with Arts Council England, which outlines the creative case for diversity and equality in the arts – on Monday 12 September.
Showcase provides UK and international arts professionals with the opportunity to preview innovative and culturally diverse productions from some of this country’s most talented performing artists and companies. All of the performances have been selected for their creative excellence and ability to appeal to national and international audiences.
Work selected this year ranges from cutting-edge audio-visual music performances and digitally interactive dramas, to explosive theatre, enchanting puppetry, engaging live art and close-to-the-bone spoken word. It includes tour ready productions from, Rouge28 Theatre, Joseph Mercier and Ayanna Witter-Johnson; new works-in-progress from Eggs Collective, Mind the Gap and ESKA; and original pitches from Sarah Pickthall, Two Gents Production and Jane Sekonya-John
Nike Jonah, decibel Performing Arts Showcase Project Manager, Arts Council England, said:
“Diversity drives innovation and offers new perspectives. The artists and companies selected for Showcase represent the most exciting new work coming out of England’s culturally rich performing arts scene. With our complementary networking activities and a symposium on the future of cultural diversity, decibel 2011 is an essential event for anyone looking to broaden their programmes, audiences and contacts.”
decibel Showcase has a proven track record of connecting arts professionals with artists and work from different cultures and backgrounds, which they would like to book and develop. Following the 2009 showcase, musicians The Fish Police were booked to launch their new album at New York's Lincoln Centre after being seen by Bill Bragin, the venue's Director of Public Programming.
Bill Bragin, Director of Public Programming, Lincoln Centre, said: “decibel gave me a great opportunity to discover a broad variety of diverse English art. Being there not only directly resulted in my inviting The Fish Police to make their US debut at Lincoln Center, but also expanded my thinking about how to include the work of artists with disabilities in our programming more generally.”
Carole McFadden, Adviser, Drama and Dance Department, British Council also attended the 2009 Showcase. She said: “I made a host of contacts as we trooped from show to show together exchanging feedback and ideas on the move! decibel is a must for anyone interested in diverse practice and the rich ideas it can bring to their programmes.”
Delegate registration for the full four days of Showcase costs just £120 if booked before 30 June 2011 or £170 after. For the first time this year, 24 hour and day passes will be available at the cost of £55 each.
Click here to book your place
International connections programme
Published 19 April 2011
Decibel is pleased to introduce an international connections programme to this year’s Performing Arts Showcase. Managed by Visiting Arts, the programme will provide a small number of bursaries for mid-career cultural practitioners to attend the Decibel Performing Arts Showcase and Creative Case for Diversity Symposium.
Applicants must be based outside of England and show they are arts professionals, passionate and committed to diverse work. Submissions will fall in to four practitioner sections: performance presenters, producers, artistic directors and cultural critics. For more details regarding which section to apply under see the application criteria document.
Successful applicants will benefit from the International Connections programme by:
- experiencing ready to buy diverse performing arts
- seeing performance pieces in development and identify opportunities for production and collaboration of new work
- attending showcase and all its programme of complementary activities
- attending, and have the opportunity to participate in, the Creative Case for Diversity Symposium
- meet and network with other international delegates
For more information download:
Application form
Application guidance notes
Appendix
Click here to apply online now
The closing date for receipt of applications is Tuesday 26 April 2011 10am GMT
The International Connections programme bursary will cover the full or partial cost of a nine day stay in Manchester, England. Visiting Arts will arrange flights, visa sponsorship certificates, UK transfers and accommodation, but applicants will be responsible for obtaining their own visa in the British consulate of their country and ensuring they have the appropriate and up to date travel insurance and documents.
The PDF application form is for your reference. We can only accept applications submitted online here. Please complete the application form in English.
