The New Theatre Institute of Latvia, as part of the Magic Carpets, invites applications for an artist residency in Riga. This residency is organised in collaboration with the Choreographers’ Association, Latvijas Neredzīgo Biedrība (Latvian Association of the Blind), and a local dance artist, fostering an inclusive and collaborative artistic environment.
This residency focuses on making contemporary dance accessible and engaging for visually impaired communities. The primary participants will be members of the visually impaired community connected to the Latvian Association of the Blind. In addition, the artist will collaborate with local dance professionals, providing specialised classes on how to work with visually impaired people, sharing knowledge, skills, and inclusive teaching strategies.
Artists will engage the community through participatory workshops, interactive sessions, and knowledge-sharing with local dance professionals. The residency will begin with meetings to understand the community’s perspectives, followed by collaborative creation and development of the final event.
The residency is approximately six weeks, with flexible scheduling based on project needs. There will be weekly workshops with the community in Strazdumuiža, 4-5 classes with local contemporary dance artists. The residency will culminate on 18 April 2025 with a public presentation and interactive sessions.
The project seeks one international contemporary dance artist who:
- Has experience or interest in working with visually impaired individuals;
- Is open to collaboration with local artists, community members, and dance professionals;
- Is interested in social inclusion, accessibility, and participatory approaches in the arts.
Residency conditions:
- Artist Fee of 1,200 EUR (gross)
- Travel and accommodation
- Opportunity to work with a local dance artist and provide classes for local professionals
- Mentorship and facilitation provided by the residency team
