Call for Artist Submissions: Theatre
Supercrawl’s Theatre Committee is pleased to release its Call for Artists for 2022. Supercrawl is a free annual outdoor art and music festival in downtown Hamilton, showcasing a diverse and dynamic lineup of music, art, fashion, performance, talks, crafts, food and fun. Supercrawl 2023 will take place on James Street North from September 8–10, 2023.
What Are We Looking For?
Every year, Supercrawl issues a call for artist proposals that create creative, compelling and unique environments and experiences for festival-goers. Projects by local, regional, national and international artists are selected based on artistic merit, originality, and ability to integrate within the festival’s scale, spirit and energy. Keep in mind that Supercrawl is a street festival, but allow your creative vision free rein; we want you to bring your favourite idea to our festival.
In 2023, Supercrawl organizers are seeking 3-5 new site-specific works created specifically for Supercrawl. Proposed works may be short (5-8 mins) and performed repeatedly throughout the day, or longer durational works taking place over the full day. (No restrictions will be imposed, but companies are advised to consider the dynamics of performances that will take place on a street in large crowds).
The Committee is looking for creative shows. Artists are encouraged to be as wild and imaginative as possible, embracing the spirit of the street artist. Street theatre is unlike other performance arts, and companies are advised to create work which will both energize and be energized by the on-the-street aspect of the festival. Audiences are estimated at approximately 80,000 people over the duration of the performance day.
Supercrawl was founded out of a desire to showcase the city’s cultural vibrancy and eclectic arts landscape, and remains dedicated to honouring, showcasing and celebrating all varieties of creative work. Supercrawl prioritizes curating a diverse and representative festival lineup. We recognize our responsibility to amplify voices that have traditionally been marginalized, both in our communities and in society as a whole.
Supercrawl is committed to inclusion, diversity, equity, and accessibility, and strives to create an environment in which all participants may flourish. We are committed to removing systemic barriers to access and opportunity, and welcome artistic proposals from all individuals, regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, disability, or economic status. Submissions will be evaluated and selected by a small jury of artists from diverse backgrounds and disciplines.
Artists and works will be selected based on their creativity (the artistic side of the show, the impact it can potentially achieve, etc.) and viability (the feasibility of producing the show in the unique environment of Supercrawl).
Fees & Resources
Supercrawl will pay each artist/artist team $1,500 for the engagement. Artists will also have access to a Technical Director to assist with staging, lighting and technical aspirations but the expectation is that the works are low-tech. Artists will also have access to the Theatre Section volunteers to assist in pre-festival planning (sourcing materials, connecting with local specialists, etc.), as well as volunteers to assist with simple tasks (i.e. gathering a crowd, turning on a light, turning on sound, etc.).
Supercrawl will also be assigning significant resources to promotion of the event and selected artists leading up to the festival, and during the event. The festival will provide schedule signage, produce posters and handbills, and include programming details both in printed materials and on Supercrawl’s website.
Dates & Location
All performances will take place along James Street North between Robert and Cannon. Supercrawl will work with selected artists to choose a location, and seek permission from property owners if a building is preferred as opposed to just open street space. Supercrawl will provide adequate storage space for artists’ personal belongings during performance hours, and for production materials pre- and post-performance.
CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION FORM
Submission Package Requirements
• CV of Artist or Artist Team;
• Description of your practice or approach to developing site-specific works. Please include whether you would perform a short work multiple times, or a long-format work over a full day;
• A brief pitch for the kind of show you would like to do at Supercrawl — a quick summary about what you would want to bring to the festival (250 words maximum);
• 2-3 links to examples of your work (video/photo documentation, written reviews, etc.); and
• An estimated budget, including a breakdown of artists’ fees, travel expenses, and any fees for technical elements (rentals, purchases, etc.)
CLICK HERE FOR SUBMISSION FORM
Deadline for submissions: Friday, March 31, 2023 at 11:59pm ET. Late submissions will not be considered.
Successful applicants will be contacted in early May 2023.
Applicants are encouraged to contact organizers to receive clarification and/or additional information as needed to develop proposals/complete applications.
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Top: Hamilton Aerial Group at Supercrawl 2017
