Background
Media Art Projects (MAP) is a micro-project
management organisation with a background in organising cultural events,
and collaborating with artists in producing workshops, media and software.
The overall aim is to create a flexible structure though which to support, experiment with, and circulate information about, the possibilities of various media systems and networks (human and technological) for small-scale, self organised channels and interventions, while undertaking an interrogation and critique of the bigger picture.
Find out more from: http://mediaartprojects.org.uk
Most recent MAP project: http://tech2.southspace.net
First MAP project: http://mediaartprojects.org.uk/reports/tech_nicks
Last summer, MAP got a grant from London Arts as part of a funding programme called "developing digital media in london".
A large part of MAP's application to that fund was to create a series of workshop, seminars or other public manifestions in London around DIY media/technology and cultural concerns connected to the development of media and communications technologies.
However, MAP does not like to work alone and wishes to take an open approach to this promise of a ěpublic" programme. This call is an the first step in an attempt to create a process that will enable projects with a high level of collaboration, co-ownership and infiltration into different cultural networks.
What Projects Could Be
This call for collaboration offers "commissions" to artists and other groups doing cultural work. However, these will *not* be commissions to make specific art works in the usual way.
Instead, this is an opportunity for individuals or groups to collaborate with MAP to create any kind of programme, event or intervention related to the politics of media and/or technology.
The proposal could be for a series of meetings, seminars or workshops, or even an exhibition. It could be media, for instance a publication or radio station. However the programme could also be the development and manufacture of products that enter the public domain (eg. a series of carrier or paper bags, posters, givaway items etc), it could be a campaign, an action, an event or series of events, or any other kind of anything.
The projects may occupy specified "real" space or spaces, perhaps ones that requires development, operate within media space, or any combination.
The projects may involve international participation, indeed the commissions can be seen as a good way to enable this.
MAP expects that the artist/group will suggest the main theme and method for a programme. From then, the details of realisation, organisation, promotion, management, budget and so on would be a collaboration. The shared work should be administrative, creative and communicative.
For each commission, an appropriate division of tasks, working and decision-making practice and will be discussed and agreed at the beginning of the project and continually reviewed.
Projects can be submitted to this call at a variety of stages of development. A project might be submitted fully formed, pretty much ěready to go". However, some proposals might involve a significant element of research, development, and network building that MAP and collaborators can undertake together. A collaborative research process might be a project in itself, or preparation.
The applicant could be an individual or (more likely) group. A group making a proposal could be already existing, a new collaboration , or a grouping that is still seeking additional skills and influences and wishes to build itself up under the auspices and with the resources of the MAP collaboration.
Appendix 1 is an outline of what I think the different partners might bring to a project. This is to help get an idea of what MAP sees this as being about and what might be possible. Be strongly aware that it is a starting point for work; it is NOT a set of criteria or a job description.
Projects should have the following elements:
1. A strong public interface,
2. Some element of practical or theoretical knowlege sharing around
media and/or technology and their politics,
3. A strong critical perspective and be
likely promote discussion and debate,
4. Happen in London and/or be relevant
to London.
Thats all.
Appendix 2 is
a list of some topics that interest MAP at the moment and have been reflected
in recent projects, but again this is for getting an impression only. MAP wants to be surprised.
Money
There is £15,000 for 2002 available EXCLUDING project management and overhead fees for MAP which are covered elsewhere.
The starting point is to divide these into 3 equal commissions of £5000 each to INCLUDE artists fees and expenses and all direct production expenses.
Detailed budgets will be drawn up and managed collaboratively between the comissioned artist/group and MAP.
Proposals that will cost LESS
than £5000 will be considered, and the balance re-distributed in some suitable
way. Proposals that cost MORE will not be considered under this project but could be discussed
with MAP in case there is another way of getting them done.
Time
The aim is to realise 3 projects over 2002.
Ideally the first will be in spring/summer 2002 but this will be subject to
feasibility/availability. The Deadline for proposals will be 28 March
2002, and the selection will be made within two weeks of that date.
Selection
Proposals should be very short, outlining concept, objective, methodology and some idea of when you would be available to work on making the project. MAP and applying groups will work together to ensure that proposals are feasible, but detailed costings will be required at application stage. You can ring or email MAP to discuss your idea anytime.
There is an advisory panel. This panel are nominating up to 6 artists/groups to whom this invitation to submit a proposal will be sent. In the first week of April there will be a meeting at which the panel will advise MAP on decisions. The panel is: Matthew Fuller (Artist and writer), Estella Rushaija (Digital Guild, artist and educator), Karen Banks (Greennet Womens Officer), Pauline Van Mouik Broekman (artist, writer, editor of Mute magazine), Doran George (artist (mainly live), writer), Stefan Szczelkun (artist, writer, critic).
The selection panel will advise on the
interest, feasibility, topicality and effectiveness of the projects and also ensure
a balance between the projects across the year.
What the Artist/Group Applying will Bring
You might:
MAP might:
Back To
How Projects Will Work
These are some issues and formats that MAP has been involved in recently, and might like to re-visit in new ways. This list is for illustration/example only. PLEASE do not be restricted to it in any way.