Dama@Toortuumik
Toortuumik (International nature art festival) and DAMA network program takes place at the coastal area / South-West of Estonia. Three hectares of untouched land include different forms of wilderness - forest, underwood, rocky beach and open sea. In this one week long workshop, students are invited to construct site-specific installations using biodegradable materials found in the neighbouring region. Also to use natural resources to learn how to benefit from natural phenomena. “Toortuumik” will be a nice and fresh experience to exhibit or stage works outside of a gallery or a performing arts space. Hopefully, it will be liberating and inspirational to work outdoors and to cope with wind, mist, sky, sun (fire), land, grass, moss, seaweed, air, scents, sea (water), forest, underwood, sounds, light, darkness. During the project, environmental and artistic discourses will be carried out, knowledge-based ideas will be developed and shared, as well as international ties will be strengthened.
The first days of the workshop are filled with acts that will help students to get to know each other and the region. Local history and legends will be introduced; the field and forest walks are going to help to adjust with the surrounding flora and fauna. Also practical skills like how to use numerous wood cutting tools as well as some weaving and knot-making techniques.
Toortuumik Festival includes a collaboration with Pixelache Helsinki, exploring the subject of BioSignals, with a focus on creative and actual interpretations of biosemiotics, signs of life and energy as media and communication. Students are welcome to collaborate and gain inspiration from this activity also. More information here: https://www.pixelache.ac/projects/biosignals.
During the one week long workshop week students are asked to design and construct or stage (at least one) site-specific performative installation / installative performance while mainly using only organic materials. “Toortuumik” aims to provide an unique experience to the workshop participants, promotes green thinking, nature conservation and sustainable economy. The opening ceremony of the “Toortuumik” nature art festival will be the culmination of the one week long program.
“Toortuumik” is part of Estonian 100 anniversary art proramme and besides DAMA network workshop many artist from various background are also present during that time.
Keywords: Wilderness / Land art / Site-specific art / performative installations < > installative performances / off the map / somewhere between peace and quiet / your answer here ____________
Time: 4-9th of June 2018 (Travel dates: 3rd of June to get there. 9th of June evening or 10th of June back to civilisation)
Place: South-West of Estonia. Virtsu peninsula
Virtsu peninsula @ Youtube
Virtsu nature @ YouTube
Duration: 6 days (+ travel days), Daily schedule: expanded possibilities…
Participants: 10 students from Dama network partner institutions.
Students have to be studied at least 1 academic year (except MA students) at their home institutions.
Target group: Students from various areas: Dance, Performing arts, Visual arts, Scenography, Media, etc.
Level: Beginners/ Intermediate
Credit points: 3ECTS
Accommodation options: in Virtsu school, (Possibility to stay in own tent, caravan etc)
Insurance: Workshop is happening in wilderness. Therefore, travel insurance is highly recommended. Dama network doesn't have a separate insurance and will not cover for any injuries etc.
Student’s application procedure:
Students should send a short letter of motivation and a small portfolio / cv (or a link to online portfolio) of few selected works to DAMA network visionairist Henri Hütt henri@mimproject.org
Teacher’s application procedure: (max 2 teachers)
Teachers interested in the subject should send their bio’s and a short description to DAMA network visionairist Henri Hütt henri@mimproject.org describing how they would like to contribute, e.g. to give inspirational lectures influenced by the description of the workshop. Note, that it is also an option to attend as an observer.
About teachers travel/accommodation grants, please contact Irene Hütsi Irene.hytsi@ut.ee
Deadline: (for motivation letters/portfolios): 11.05.2018
Other info: Workshop takes place ~4 km from Virtsu centre. Luxury is really limited in Virtsu but small shop, post office, ATM and diner/restaurant can be found.
Please bring with you:
Personal devices: sketchbook, camera and other recording devices, musical instrument - what ever you need to be creative! and warm clothes plus clothes to move in.
Grant info:
Travel grant 330 EUR (660 EUR in case of travelling from/to Iceland)
Accommodation/board 70 EUR/week
Grants are available only for degree students of network partner universities. Exchange students from participating universities are very welcome to participate but should finance their travels and accommodation/board by themselves.
Information/contacts:
Toortuumik festival (in Estonian)
Content: Henri Hütt henri@mimproject.org / henri.hytt@artun.ee +372 5902 7681
Grant info and payments: Irene Hütsi, Irene.hytsi@ut.ee +372 52 45 201
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Dama 26