Navigator Residencies 2023 accepting expressions of interest
Improvised Music Company’s Navigator Music Residency programme is now accepting expressions of interest from artists for 2023.
Applications close on Friday 31st March at midnight.
The 10-day Navigator Jazz Residency programme has expanded its reach in 2023 to collaborate with 7 arts centres - original partners The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, An Grianán in Letterkenny, The Courthouse in Tinahely, Co. Wicklow, and Ballina Arts Centre in Mayo, and new partners Riverbank Arts Centre in Kildare, The Crescent, Belfast and Garter Lane Arts Centre in Waterford.
The Navigator programme offers jazz and improvising musicians professionally remunerated time and space to develop and perform work with a deep sense of space, informed by community involvement. Artists may work in a period of 10 consecutive days or a number of shorter periods (where possible for the arts centre).
In 2023, four arts centres are accepting expressions of interest from artists across the improvised music world in Ireland, while three arts centres are working in collaboration with IMC’s 30/30 programme and its artists. To celebrate 30 years of IMC’s work in 2022/23, 30 outstanding improvising artists were selected for a bespoke support and mentorship programme, and three artists from the programme will have the opportunity to connect with a local area and develop work on the residency programme.
Navigator has also developed parent-friendly residencies at the Courthouse Arts Centre Tinahely, and An Grianan Theatre, Letterkenny - offering supports for artists who need to manage their work as parents alongside their work as artists.
Through ongoing dialogue between IMC, the venues and the selected artists, a bespoke residency programme will be designed and delivered to assist in creating new work, new interactions, new collaborations, while also deepening the artists sense of place and space through an experience which is ultimately reflected in new interactions and outputs.
Artists can express interest in the programme now through this link. Please apply before midnight on Friday 31st March.
Artists on the programme are selected by the arts centres in collaboration with IMC, based on the needs and context of the arts centre and their local community.
Artists may apply for more than one residency.
In Navigator’s inaugural year 2021, guitarist Hugh Buckley developed work at The Source Arts Centre, saxophonist Nick Roth engaged with local young musicians, visual artists and more in Ballina Arts Centre, Ríona Sally Hartman created new work for children and collaborated with artist Cressida Lynch, and pianist Cormac McCarthy created new music, performed in duo with Donegal-based saxophonist Micheal Murray, and worked with young musicians at An Grianán Donegal, amongst many other activities.
The programme continued in 2022, beginning with guitarist and electronic musician Aengus Hackett in residence at Tinahely Courthouse Arts Centre, working with local youth jazz bands and developing work based on sounds and poetry from Tinahely. Singer and activist Emilie Conway was in residence at The Source Arts Centre, Thurles, working with local choirs and artists. Guitarist Chris Guilfoyle was in residence at Ballina Arts Centre, leading workshops with local schools and musicians and developing his music. Vocalist and composer Olesya Zdorovetska was in residence at An Grianán Theatre, Donegal, constructing work on the theme of ‘home’ through conversation with artists and people who have made Letterkenny their home.
Singer/songwriter Ríona Sally Hartman on her residency at Tinahely Courthouse Arts“It was a very welcome opportunity and has had a great impact on me as an artist. Getting your foot in the door, starting new working relationships with venues, other artists, production partners etc. is always the hardest step. Once I've had an opportunity to start the conversation and show my work then the rest comes easily. I find I work with the same small circle of artists / production partners a lot and having the opportunity to widen that circle has been amazing. ”
