International Visitorsprogram - Probability of Exchange

PROBABILITY OF EXCHANGE
- International visitors program Flanders Arts Institute

Looking at (inter)national and leading* performing arts programs today, many unfortunately still reflect a dominant (Western and Eurocentric) canon, reproducing and confirming familiar aesthetics and what (who) we see on our stages.

In spite of the development of new technologies and media, enabling new global distribution and outreach, the active participation within an international artistic scene is still restricted to those who have the privilege of free movement.
Although more programs seem to grow a conscious about their position and power to open up to a variety** of voices, we can see a remaining link to those artists and practices that have the possibility to participate in those programs, which are (still) created within an imperialistic approach. Unfortunately, we see a growing division between the ones with increasing global freedom and those being more and more restricted.

Looking at internationalisation and exchange from this perspective, what is our role and responsibility as facilitators, artworkers, programers, directors, amongst others? Where and how do we contribute to actual change within these narratives and create real fair opportunities?

How do we engage with voices and practices that are marginalised? How can we facilitate and foster the freedom to participate in international exchanges, knowledge sharing and engaging in different local contexts?
And when we facilitate our programs, how can we avoid operating in exclusive networks and relations? Is there an active shift to solidarity and partnerships, rooted in collective reflection on shared capitals and values of infrastructure, resources, experience and capacities?

Coming together from multiple realities, needs and experiences, we see an opportunity in addressing (remaining) issues of dominant canons and gatekeeping within artistic programming. As a first pilot trajectory we aim to organise a visitors program that departs from these questions and engages in a collective reflection on how to engage in co-programing, shared networks, local contexts and diverse resources. Shifting from exclusive relations towards forms of solidarity in partnerships, capital and capacities.

* Leading on quantitif values like financial means, international visibility and outreach, recognition by the dominant artistic community...
** Vaerity towards dominant voices, dominant aesthetics, normative practices.

Invitation - international visitors program
The program offers 6 professionals from different contexts to meet twice in 2024, during a two-day gathering. Here we would delve into different practices, tackle new perspectives on internationalisation, foster exchange and discuss, as well as meet local artists and organisations.

The invited group, would take on an ambassadorship for their own local contexts or networks, permitting that the experience and encounters made can be shared with multiple others that are not (cannot be) present.
By creating this learning network we would like to give the opportunity to one or two artists to circulate within, by asking each participant to engage with a concrete invitation according to their capacities (a residency, a presentation, a co-production...).

What we offer
-  Reflection and exchange program from 6-8 Sept. (het Theaterfestival, Antwerpen) & 6-8 Dec.* (December Dance, Brugge) - meeting with local artists, organisations & art workers
-  All program activities (such as tickets to shows...)
- Accommodation & food
-  A total of 4 travel grants of 500€ each for participants who cannot cover their travel or only partially.

How to participate?
-  Deadline: 17th of June
-  Send a description of your practice (bio) and a short motivation why you would like to participate (max. 1⁄2 A4 page) to julia.reist@kunsten.be
-  In case you would like to make use of the travel grant add a small description of your situation and why the travel can’t be covered by you / your organization.

A selection of the final group would be made by the 18th of June.

On the 7th of June and 10th of June, we organize an online info session about the program from 3 - 4pm . You can inscribe for the session here.

If you have any questions do not hesitate to contact Julia Reist: julia.reist@kunsten.be. *dates in december are still a bit flexible