ABOUT THE PROGRAM

New Works XR Pilot Program 2021 is a new program currently in development between New Works, dance artist Erika Mitsuhashi, and a team of consulting artists and technologists working at the intersection of performance and XR technologies. XR (extended reality) is an umbrella term encompassing augmented (AR), virtual (VR), and mixed reality technologies.

The New Works XR Pilot Program will provide catered support for dance makers and companies working with or in early stages of exploring creation involving technologies that fall under the umbrella of XR. Operating as a case-study model, 2 to 3 participating artists or groups will work with the XR pilot team to develop a structured working plan and identify key resource needs to support their goals and objectives for their XR projects in the form of: workshops for skill development, mentorship with senior artists, connecting with technologists and coders, and XR resource sharing. If this is something of interest to you, we would like to hear from you. Examples of projects using XR technologies here: https://www.newworks.ca/2021/06/xr-pilot-program-resources/

The New Works XR Pilot Program is very much in its development phase. The direction of the program will depend upon the supports requested from applicants, with a focus on process, research, and capacity building. Participants or participating groups will have the opportunity to create a personalized program plan with support from New Works and the XR pilot team. By learning from each other's experiences, participants will gain sustainable skills and knowledge over the course of 6 months (from June to November 2021). A final product or presentation is not intended as part of this year's program. This program will be entirely online.


PROGRAM DETAILS

Available Program Supports:
- $4,000 honorarium for subsistence during participation in program
- mentorship and support in developing processes for integrating immersive technologies
- connecting artists to technologists
- digital/virtual literacy & specific skill development
- access to gear/virtual resources
- access to virtual resources list
- access to workshops catered towards areas of interest
- working in a case-study model using artist's actual projects as learning opportunities
- bi-monthly check-ins with cohort to share progress, challenges, and discuss directions for support
- studio/residency support (depending on availability and scheduling)

Proposed Timeline:
JUNE
open for applications - June 4
info session - June 14
application deadline - June 25

JULY
reviewing goals and objectives with artists and XR pilot team
designing and building personalized support framework
consulting with XR mentors

AUGUST
break

SEPTEMBER
supported activities begin
bi-monthly check-in meetings

OCTOBER
supported activities continue
bi-monthly check-in meetings

NOVEMBER
virtual open studio sharing with 2021 cohort
public sharing of research and conversation between artists and mentors
feedback & conversation in building of this pilot program for future iterations


OPEN CALL FOR PARTICIPANTS

How to Apply:

If you are an artist or company interested in being part of the XR Pilot Program, please complete the application form below. Artists may be at any stage of familiarity with XR and those with very little to none are encouraged to apply.

In addition to the Google form, we will also accept applications via email, phone, video or audio file, as needed by the applicant. Please get in touch with Sierra Megas at sierra@newworks.ca to arrange.

*** Deadline to Apply: June 25, 2021 ***

Applications will be reviewed by a selection committee, comprised of the New Works team, an external peer reviewer and XR mentors, in June 2021.

Selected applicants will be announced on July 2, 2021.

New Works supports artists each year through a variety of services, which include grant writing, administration, graphic design, marketing and promotion, mentorship, consultations, and more. These services are provided at sliding-scale and subsidized rates, with some aspects provided for free.

If you have any questions please contact Erika Mitsuhashi at erika@newworks.ca.

Info Session:

There will be an online info session on June 14, 2021 at 5pm PT (Zoom) to provide a brief overview of the program. This will be an opportunity for applicants to meet the organizers and ask questions. Please email Sierra Megas at sierra@newworks.ca to register for the info session. Live ASL interpretation, auto-captioning and post event transcriptions along with a post event recording (visual and/or audio) will be available for this session.

Selection Criteria:
- This program is open to dance artists. Projects may include interdisciplinary elements.
- This program is open to individuals, collectives, non-profits, and charities with an organizational budget under $150K.
- Participants must be based in BC or be able to participate virtually in PST*
*Most activities and meetings will be during 10AM-6PM PST, and if all activities in the proposal can be done by distance/virtually, applicants from outside of BC are encouraged to apply.
- The participant must have clear and specific goals and objectives.
- The participant must commit to being present for the majority of bi-monthy check-in meetings & workshops or residency time, dependent upon scheduling and availability.
- The participant must commit to work with mentors, duration and frequency will be developed together with participating artists and mentors in the first two months of the program.

We prioritize applications from equity-seeking artists who have or are facing systemic barriers that infringe on their artistic career. This includes, but is not limited to, artists who identify as Indigenous, Black, Person of Colour, Trans, Non-binary, Queer, Disabled, low income, and living in the intersections of these identities.