OpenGround 2016 – Open Call for Participants

OpenGround is a project initiated by lettera27, Milan and State of Concept, Athens. The two organisations are partnering on the occasion of Tandem Europe 2015-17 to co-create a replicable training model for the professional development of artists and curators.

OpenGround will be the first pilot workshop in Greece focusing on the professional development of young artists and curators. During an intensive 5-day workshop, OpenGround will bring together a team of international art professionals and participants creating the conditions for new international collaborations to emerge. Through a diverse programme of practical assignments and case studies, it will offer the participants with practical knowledge that may not be available in their local context or not addressed by the art establishment and academy.

The programme will cover the following topics:

• Artist residencies, grant opportunities & applications
• Artist contracts
• Copyright and Copyleft
• Portfolio Building and Portfolio Reviews
• Personal promotion and online communication
• Exhibition Design
• AtWork lab

OpenGround 2016 will take place in Athens between the 31st of October and 4th of November 2016.

All modules will be held in English. A certificate of attendance will be provided at the end of the workshop.

Participation in the workshop is free.

We accept applications from international applicants. However, please note that we cannot cover flights to Athens and living expenses are not covered.

All applications will be assessed by a jury of international art professionals consisted of:
Giovanna Amadasi, Head of Cultural and Institutional Programs of Hangar Bicocca (Milan)
Antonia Alampi, Curator & Co-founder of The Imaginary School Program (Cairo)
Arnoldo Mosca Mondadori, Poet & writer

You can download more information about the programme and the trainers below.

General Application Guidelines

This 5-day training workshop is open to artists and curators aged 23-30.

To be considered a candidate for OpenGround 2016, please submit a full application that contains the following:

• A completed application form
• A Curriculum Vitae (no more than 2 pages)
• A portfolio of your recent works (only applicable for artists)

Please note that selected participants are required to commit for the whole duration of the workshop.

Format and Requirements
• The required documents should be sent by email to openground2016@gmail.com by September 30, 2016. • All files must be submitted in PDF • Applications must be submitted in English.

About lettera27
lettera27 is a non-profit foundation created in July 2006. Its mission is to support the right to literacy and education, and to promote access to knowledge and information, with a specific focus on Africa and its diaspora. The foundation raises funds to support and promote a wide range of educational and research initiatives that rely on locally-based resources and organizations. The use of co-funding is intended to increase and strengthen these resources, recognizing their value and opening mutually beneficial and fruitful dialogues with a variety of cultural and social actors. Integral to its mission and methodology is the search for and identification of projects that are in line with its objectives. The foundation acts primarily as an aggregator and facilitator of cultural processes, engaging – both independently and in partnership with others – in research, documentation, organization and communication activities. lettera27 thus aims to provide the tools necessary for the creation of a conscious and active attitude in citizens, particularly with regards to the stereotypes and clichés about Africa, its diaspora, as well as on the topic of migration. The three principal areas of involvement are: Art and culture for social transformation, Innovative educational practices & Sustainable culture.
www.lettera27.org

About State of Concept
State of Concept is the first non-profit gallery in Greece. It was founded in 2013 by art critic and curator Iliana Fokianaki and is based in Athens. State of Concept is an independent platform operating as a gallery with a yearly programme, that aims to be a bridge between Athens and the international contemporary art scene. With its main aim being to introduce international artists that are not widely known and easily accessible to Greek audiences as well as to showcase one Greek artist through a solo exhibition, it hosts four exhibitions per year: one solo exhibition of a Greek artist, two solo exhibitions of international artists and one group exhibition curated by an international invited curator. Parallel to its exhibition programme, State of Concept organises a variety of events and projects including talks, screenings and workshops for children. Apart from its exhibitions and events, State of Concept is operating as a space for free artist consultation, where young students and graduates of Greek art schools can receive feedback, guidance and help in order to further their work, enhance their portfolio and CV, and decide their next artistic steps.
www.stateofconcept.org