Open Call: Artistic Exploration Lab

In the context of the CultureAndHealth Platform, the Artistic Exploration Lab “Shaping collective spaces and exploring boundaries” provides performing artists emerging in the field of arts and health the opportunity to learn and exchange in an inspiring environment alongside acclaimed guides from the world of arts and health. Through participatory action research and the exchange with like-minded colleagues and guides, the Artistic Exploration Lab fosters artistic development and reflects on the possibilities of artistic research in the field of arts and health. Hosted by RED NOSES International and part of the international CultureAndHealth platform, we are calling on passionate and innovative artists to join an Artistic Exploration Lab, during which artists will work together at the intersection of their art forms to explore burning questions related to arts and health.

Deadline to apply: 28 February 2025

apply here

Background

Culture and the arts play a vital role in enhancing our social, physical and mental wellbeing. Pioneering reports like the World Health Organisation (WHO) 2019 report on arts and health or the 2022 CultureForHealth Report reveal how cultural activities can prevent illness, inspire healthier lifestyles, and even support health treatments. Building on this momentum, the EU co-funded CultureForHealth movement has grown into the CultureAndHealth Platform—a groundbreaking initiative led by Culture Action Europe  connecting 15 partners across the EU  and the art, health, care, and community.

The lab uses the method of participatory action research. Participating artists will be given tools and support to design their own research questions, which they will go on to explore in their own local practices. During this self-led exploration, the artists will have guidance and mentorship in structuring and documenting what they learn. At the end of the lab, artists will be supported to share their learning with each other and their communities.

Objectives for Participants

• Explore and deepen artistic practice in the field of arts and health
• Develop new learning and reflection skills
• Create connections with an international, interdisciplinary group of artists working in the field of arts and health
• Access trainings and other opportunities through the CultureAndHealth Platform

Guides

The lab will be guided and facilitated by an interdisciplinary team:

Katharina Senk

Indrė Mickevičiūtė – Petrauskienė

Lou Ghirlando

Magdalena Klamminger

Maggie Roessler

Theme

The theme of the lab is: “Shaping collective spaces and exploring boundaries”. Participants will engage with the theme as it relates to the intersection of culture and health.

Boundaries are lines along which two people, places, or identities are different and divided. They are also the space where those with differences may encounter one another and transform as a result. “A boundary separates two entities, or two parts of the same entity, which are then said to be in contact with each other.”[1]

Participants are invited to identify a boundary within their own arts & health practice that they would like to change, re-imagine, or explore. Some examples of boundaries are the lines drawn between:

• Countries, languages, and cultures
• Genders
• Artistic disciplines
• Roles in healthcare (“professional” vs “patient”)
• Artists and audiences
• Artistic organisations, hospitals, and other institutions in the arts and health space
• Bodies (bodies meeting in space and within one body; the boundary between life and death)

Participants will share a preliminary question of what they are inspired to explore as part of their application. During the lab, they will have the chance to refine and deepen their questions with the support of the other participants and guides.

Timeline and Expectations

Participants are expected to participate in ALL meetings and workshops.

In addition to these scheduled events, participants will work independently to explore their questions in their own artistic practice.

Travel costs, accommodation, and meals/per diems will be provided for the in-person workshops in Vienna. No financial compensation will be provided for the time invested in meetings, workshops, or independent work associated with the lab.

Criteria to Participate

Artistic Profile

• At least three years of professional artistic experience in the performing arts (such as clowning, circus, music, movement, dance, theater…)
• Emerging as an artist within the intersection of culture, health, social and/or care sectors*
• An established artistic practice within the intersection of culture, health, social and/or care sectors* within which you can pursue your research question

*The World Health Organisation defines health as “a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being and not merely the absence of disease or infirmity.”[2] Participating artists should identify as “emerging” in the field of arts and health, connecting art and culture with the health sector in a way that promotes improved wellbeing through art and culture (both as management and treatment but also as prevention of illnesses or multiple conditions). Next to more “traditional” artforms, also socially engaged arts, community arts and participatory arts with health and wellbeing benefits comply.

Suitability for this Lab

• Comfortable working and connecting with others in English
• Commitment to the full process, including participation in all three labs
• Open to growth and the lab experience; flexible and adaptable to changes
• Comfortable meeting online and availability of stable internet connection
• Resident or national of a participating country to the Creative Europe programme (EU countries plus non-EU countries listed under List of non-Eu Participating Countries in the Creative Europe Programme: Albania, Armenia, Austria, Belgium, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Georgia, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxemburg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Tunisia, Ukraine)

Personal qualities

• Curious
• Sensitive to ethical practice
• Caring communication style
• Team player, comfortable both taking and giving space

How to Apply

Deadline to apply: 28 February 2025

1. Fill in the application form and

2. Send an email to art.lab[at]rednoses.org with the following items attached:

The lab guides will evaluate the applications and select an interdisciplinary group of 12 artists with questions and backgrounds that complement each other. All applicants will be notified of the decision by the end of March.

Contact

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact art.lab[at]rednoses.org for more information.