The first annual Change of Art Festival will be held on Saturday, 17June 2017 at the Human Rights Action Centre performance space in Shoreditch, as part of Hope Not Hate’s Weekend of Action marking the anniversary of the murder of Jo Cox, MP.
Festival organisers say: “The aim of the festival is to celebrate Jo Cox’s life through the performing arts and to bring people together from different communities who might not otherwise connect.
“Jo Cox’s legacy transcends politics and reaches into the heart of our communities; our aim for the festival is to bring people together from all over London, in a shared event, to honour Jo and to share our love for this multicultural city.
“Change of Art is a London based collective of artists and producers. We have created a festival model which will be piloted his year, but which we hope is only the beginning. It will be rolled out nationally, connecting local communities in towns and cities across the UK to join in the celebration from their own region with their own creative voice.
“We hope to provide the opportunity for communities to speak for themselves, telling their own story and challenging the prevailing media narratives. We welcome a mixture of urban and rural work, from both professional and amateur artists.”
What to submit: Change of Art are looking for 8 acts to perform an 8-10 minute slot, in what will be a night of variety and entertainment by professional and amateur artists.
The theme for the night is to celebrate what Jo Cox said in her maiden speech to Parliament: ‘’We are far more united and have far more in common with each other than things that divide us.”
They are seeking all kinds of performance that embody and embrace this sentiment. They are looking for any of the following, from amateur or professional artists. All are welcome:
- Theatre (extracts and short pieces)
- Live art
- Choirs
- Music
- Dance (though please be aware the stage is quite small.)
- Physical theatre
- Poetry/spoken word
- Film
- Improvisation
- Comedy
- Magic
- Cabaret
If your act is not on the list, please feel free to suggest it.
They welcome new pieces and work that has previously been performed.
How to apply: If you’re in London, please use the submissions information link.
If you’re not in London, and you’d like to create a Change of Art Festival event in your local area, please email hello@changeofart.org.uk for a resource pack.
Deadline: Friday 28 April at 11.59pm
Source: Playwriting UK Facebook