During the residency, artists will work in an interdisciplinary team with individuals from the Urban Activity Center in Łódź and scientists from the University of Łódź. The team's goal will be to improve tools that help people affected by neurodegeneration maintain independence in their daily activities or create new solutions to support their everyday functioning, so they can retain their independence and well-being for as long as possible.
What challenge do we see?
Seniors suffering from neurodegenerative conditions (such as dementia) face numerous challenges in their daily lives, requiring innovative solutions. These problems often lead them to withdraw from social life, ceasing to use social, healthcare, or cultural services. The self-sufficiency of seniors struggling with cognitive decline is a crucial issue not only for this group but for society and the economy as a whole, especially in the context of the shifting demographic structure towards an older population.
Why involve performance artists?
Artists are adept at asking unconventional questions, leading to new solutions. Their perspective allows them to identify previously unnoticed needs. Additionally, artists possess high-level skills in creating communications that engage various senses, which can help seniors affected by neurodegeneration better absorb information. We hope that artistic methods will help better understand and express the emotions arising in this difficult situation.
Residency conditions:
- Applications are open to both formal and informal groups of artists.
- Groups should consist of 3 to 5 people.
- The majority of the group should be composed of individuals representing performance arts, with education or professional experience in this field.
- All group members must be at least 18 years old and possess a minimum B2 level of English proficiency.
- During the residency, selected artists are expected to actively pursue the project goals and participate in meetings organized by the hosts in accordance with the program (workshops, study visits, meetings with specialists and mentors).
Deadlines:
Applications should be submitted via the application form by September 23, 2024. The organizing committee may invite applicants to 30-minute online interviews for further information. Participation in the interview is not mandatory and does not determine the acceptance or rejection of the application.
The final decision on selected residents will be announced on September 30, 2024, and sent by email to applicants. The residency will begin on October 14, 2024, and will last until November 24, 2024. Participation in the residency requires a minimum of 30 days of on-site work.
The organizer provides:
- A program and facilitation of the creative process, along with substantive support.
- Free access to a rehearsal room, at least 7 hours per day.
- Accommodation in a hotel or rented apartment.
- A stipend of 8000 PLN – this amount covers all necessary expenses for both the Organizer and the Resident.
- Travel reimbursement of up to 2000 PLN net per person for international participants, and 500 PLN for applicants from Poland.
- Documentation of the process and project outcomes.
Residency structure:
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Weeks 1-2: Introductory workshops, meetings with representatives of the target group, and experts.
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Weeks 3-5:
- Independent work by the team in the studio.
- Meetings with mentors and experts, both online and offline.
- At least two prototyping sessions – preliminary solution presentations involving representatives of the target group.
- Additional activities supporting the design process, determined with facilitators and organizers.
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Week 6: Preparation for the public presentation of the prototype/MVP solution and the presentation itself.
Organizations: Fundacja Uniwersytetu Łódzkiego, Uniwersytet Łódzki, Akademicki Ośrodek Inicjatyw Artystycznych w Łodzi, Centrum Aktywności Miejskich w Łodzi, Fundacja Teatru Nowszego.
The project is co-financed by state budget funds granted by the Minister of Education and Science as part of the 'Science for Society II' program.
The task "Performative Research on Civilizational Challenges" is co-financed by the budget of the city of Łódź.
The project partner is the Academic Center of Artistic Initiatives in Łódź.