Here are some frequently asked questions for the new Artist in Residence programme. If you can’t find your answer here then please email davshiel@drakemusic.org
Who is eligible to apply for the residency?
The Residency is open to established musicians/artists (those who use sound and music within their professional practice) and who identify as D/deaf and/or Disabled .You must live in England, and be able to travel to the DM London office a couple of times a month as well as other locations for occasional meetings throughout the 10-month residency. (DM are able to support with travel arrangements and costs) You must also be available to interview at the DM London office in the week commencing 13th January 2020.
What do you mean by ‘Disabled’?
At Drake Music we work with the Social Model of Disability, which informs every part of our organisational philosophy and practice. The Social Model is very much a live, debated and discussed way of thinking. In brief, the focus of the Model is as follows:
A person is disabled by society’s placing of barriers to different types of access, in all facets of civil and social life through attitudes, the physical environment and institutional norms.
These barriers might be:
- Attitudinal: such as schools not thinking that disabled students can actively participate and be autonomous in music-making, or not believing that their staff have the skills or resources to make their lessons fully accessible.
- Physical: for example, a wheelchair user might not be able to gain access to a building because of a lack of ramps, wheelchair width doorways or accessible toilets haven’t been adapted or built.
- Organisational: such as inflexible policies or practices within organisations that prevent disabled people accessing their services or employment.
The Social Model moves away from the idea of “a disability” as something to be fixed or cured, instead it pushes for political and social change, an acceptance of diversity of people and the ability to meet people’s access requirements – breaking down the barriers that currently disable access.
What is the deadline for applications?
The deadline for applications is 12 Noon on 4th December 2019. Applications received after this time will not be considered.
How can I apply?
To apply please send a covering letter, creative portfolio/CV and Equal Opportunities monitoring form by email to davshiel@drakemusic.org with the subject: “AIR Application”. See Application Pack for more details.
When does the residency begin and end?
The residency will begin in Late January/early February 2020 and last for 10 months, so finish in late October/early November 2020.
Do you accept international applicants?
In the future we hope to be able to accept international applicants but for now we can only accept applications from people living in England.
When will I hear back about my application?
We expect to notify all applicants by the 20th December 2019.
Do I need to have a specific creative project in mind before I apply?
No. We hope that you’ll develop your creative project based on your experience through working with us andi collaborating with the DM Team
What are you expecting from a creative individual project ’?
We are very open to you’re ideas and suggestions, so have no fixed expectations of what this could be and you won’t need to decide straight away either. It could be a music project that involves young people, an accessible music event or something we haven’t even thought of before.
Will I be working alone or with the other successful Artists in Residents?
Throughout the 10 months you will be mainly working and collaborating with the other Artists in Residence. The creative project you will develop will be an individual and led by you.
The Application pack mentions ‘creative and exploratory challenges’… what are they?
A Mini- Challenge is where the 3 Artists in Residence are set small and fun creative challenge that will involve collaborating with each other (and other DM staff if suitable) and share in some way. This is to allow the exploration and development of creative collaboration.
How often will I be expected to work in the office?
This is flexible and will depend on several factors, such as the locations of the other successful applicants but will likely be 2-4 days per month.
What will a typical day in the office look like?
Days in the office could involve any of the following activities: training sessions, creative exploration, meetings with the DM team, project planning, research, admin etc
What should I put in my covering letter?
The covering letter is an opportunity for you to tell us how your practice and experience demonstrates what is outlined in the Person Specification. It’s always worth backing this up with short examples of how. It’s also an opportunity for you to explain why you think this role is for you.
What should I include in the Creative Portfolio/CV?
We understand that not everyone has a traditional CV and that actually this probably a CV in’t as relevant for this recruitment process. So A creative portfolio is more of a formalised way of presenting your previous work, so could include images, video links, soundcloud or audio links. It basically an opportunity for you to present your creative work in whatever way you feel best suits it… but understanding that it needs to be presented in a way that is easy for us to access and understand.
Is there on-site parking at the DM office?
No. There are a few Disabled parking bays for Blue Badge holders close by but with only a 3 hour maximum parking limit. Drake Music are happy to discuss and explore parking options if your application is successful.
Is the DM office fully accessible?
Yes, the London DM office is fully accessible.
Are travel costs covered?
Yes, we are able to cover reasonable travel costs. Details can be discussed at the interview stage.
