We are delighted to announce three new commission opportunities, in partnership with Carousel (Brighton), DaDaFest (Liverpool) and Drake Music. This is part of our wider artistic program Emergent: A music legacy. It aims to create new musical opportunities for early-career Deaf and Disabled musicians.
“Music and Audiences”
You will be commissioned and supported to imagine, develop and deliver a new piece of music, using music technology in some way.
We invite musicians to musically respond to the theme of “Music and Audiences”. Submit a proposal that experiments with the concept of the audience (i.e. how it relates or informs your work). We encourage you to explore ways of engaging with the theme in the creation, presentation, or as the subject of the piece.
For example:
• You may want to go beyond traditional methods of presenting music on stage
• You may want to make your audience an active member in the creation of your piece.
• Your work might be about or be informed by the concept of “The Audience”
The final commission will be:
• A creative response to the theme
• 3-5 minutes in length
• Produced or created by using music technology. This can include anything and everything from apps to advanced music software or a tech-based instrument.
Support
You will receive creative, technical and mentoring support throughout the process. This will be designed through collaboration and discussions to understand your requirements.
Emergent Commission Guidelines
The commission is open to all types of musicians, performers and artists who use sound in their work. This could include sound artists, singers, DJ’s, instrumentalists, technologists etc.
The commission is open to those who self-identify as Deaf or Disabled and are at, or near, the beginning of their careers.
The style/genre of music is a free choice of those applying, but Assistive Music Technology must be included in some format. Assistive Music Technology can help widen access, from simple iPad apps, to computer-controlled sensors, the technology has come on leaps and bounds in the last decade.
The musician will be paid a commission fee of £750 and will also receive support and mentoring by a Drake Music Associate Musician and wider Drake Music team.
How to apply
The commission panel will be looking to support emerging Deaf and Disabled musicians who have demonstrated a real desire to create new music or recognized potential.
If you are successful, you will be expected to complete an evaluation survey before, during and after the commission has been completed.
You will also be expected to support sharing and promotion of your work.
Your proposal should be sent as either 500 words, or a 3-minute video clip and should include:
• A bit about yourself
• Why you are applying for this commission
• How you will respond to the theme of “Music and Audiences”
• What type or style of music you want to create
• Please also include 1 example of any previous work.
If you require Drake Music to make any reasonable adjustments to the proposal process, please do get in touch to discuss. We are happy to make any reasonable adjustments as required.
The commission panel will comprise of Drake Music’s national managers and commissioning partner organizations. The commissioning panel will shortlist the proposals before working with commissioning partners to award the final commission.
Timeframe
The outlined timeframe is as follows:
• Deadline for Proposals: 5pm, Monday 20th August 2018
• Winning commissions announced: 28th August 2018
• Commission start, mentoring and masterclasses: September-December 2018
• The final work will be presented as part of a showcase event in February 2019
Contact
Get in touch with Miryam Solomon at Drake Music to send your application, discuss access requirements or to ask any other questions: loninfo@drakemusic.org
Funders & Partners
Carousel
In music, film, digital and visual art, Carousel’s learning-disabled artists make their mark. Adventurous and original, the work challenges the idea of what great art is and who can create it. Based in Brighton, Carousel has championed learning disabled creative for over thirty years. www.carousel.org.uk
DaDaFest
DaDaFest is an innovative and cutting edge disability and D/deaf arts organization based in Liverpool that was established in 1984.
Their vision is to inspire, develop and celebrate talent and excellence in disability and D/deaf arts. www.dadafest.co.uk
Help Musicians UK
Help Musicians UK is the leading UK charity for professional musicians of all genres, from starting out through to retirement.
They help at times of crisis, but also at times of opportunity, giving people the extra support they need at a crucial stage that could make or break their career. www.helpmusicians.org.uk
Emergent: A Music Legacy is also supported by The Sobell Foundation and The Wingate Foundation