OPEN CALLS FOR BIRCA 26 

We are excited to announce that we have the opportunity again in 26 to give a lot of performing artists space to conduct artistic research and development on Bornholm. Our focus is on being a laboratory for new ecological performing arts. We can only do this because we continue to develop formats and methods together with the wonderful artists associated with BIRCA. Every person leaves seeds that will eventually sprout and bloom – thank you all! And we can also do this because we receive support – for next year, the residencies are made possible with support from the Danish Arts Foundation and Creative EU. This means that travel and accommodation costs are covered, and there are fees for all residencies.

In 26 we are doing things a little differently. We have curated three formats because there are certain topics we would like to delve into.

1. BIRCA Kids – there is only one Kids week in 26, and we would like to try out the format in a Nordic context. Therefore, we have chosen to focus on Norway for 26 and have preliminarily selected Katarina Skår Lisa as a participant. She will be accompanied by a Norwegian colleague. We hope to continue with a Swedish focus in 27.
2. BIRCA Ritual – for a couple of years now, we have worked extensively with how the ritual plays a role in performing arts, and together with performing artist Alaya Riefenstahl from Myrkr, we have now created a framework and curated artists to participate in a residency with this theme. This also has a Nordic perspective, and artists with Greenlandic and Sami backgrounds will participate. If you think this is something you would like to be involved in, please send us an email. We are interested in continuing to work with the theme of rituals in the coming years.
3. BIRCA Outreach – here we have gathered a group of projects/artists interested in geopolitics. As part of the Reconnect project this year, we selected two artists, Patricia from Lebanon and Tuba from Turkey, who will come and work based on the body’s understanding of abandoned buildings. We also want to support Ukrainian artists as well as refugees residing in Bornholm and have therefore invited Kevin Doyle and Daria Pugachova to create projects directly with them. Finally, Kristian Husted will participate in this residency with geopolitical investigations. We would also like to hear from Danish performing artists interested in geopolitical themes in the future.

And then we have Island Connect – 26 will be the last year in our current 3-year period supported by Creative EU. The project focuses on island identity and research related to island culture – we would like you to take a curious and exploratory look at European island communities – the topic is completely open, and we are quite excited about what will be presented. All selected artists will have the opportunity to participate in our Springlab, which in 26 will take place in Corsica from March 23-29 – so participation is also expected there. Read about Island Connect and find calls and materials here. Please note the deadline is January 14, and applications must be submitted online on our platform.

We are working with 3 formats in Island Connect – and here is what we are offering to Denmark-based artists (but remember, there is also an opportunity for artists coming from our partners):

1. Artistic Residencies. The format we have previously worked with, where we select a group and exchange with another island in 2×2 weeks of residency – BIRCA is exchanging this year with Sardinia, and the two periods are scheduled for May 11-24, 26 at BIRCA and September 14-30, 26 in Sardinia. Deadline for application is January 14, 25.
2. Co-creation Format, where we invite a performing artist from each area/Island to a joint development residency, where new ideas for future projects will be created, which the network will support for production and presentation. In 26, LAV in Tenerife will host the residency, taking place from June 22-28. We are looking for performing artists with experience in co-creation who wish to be part of an international team to research and develop. Deadline for application is January 14, 25.
3. The format we call Islander Focus is about initiating new collaborations with new islands about residencies and exploring themes concerning islands. It is open to all kinds of artists willing to engage in this type of work; however, we prioritize artists residing in Bornholm. This year, we are sending the selected artist to Mallorca (with several possible periods) and to Martinique from September 14-27. Deadline for application is January 14, 25.