Artists from the Latin American community have been asked to submit their ideas for “socially engaged” artistic projects in Elephant and Castle.
Two Latin American artists based in the UK are being given the opportunity to produce a project with Latin Elephant, the South London Gallery and Gasworks at the end of June and July.
The aim of the initiative is to create “artistic exchange” and “experimentation”, with topics focusing on how to inhabit redeveloped areas, the relationship between place and identity, the politics of space, re-imagining urban space, and a sense of belonging.
All projects must take Elephant and Castle as their case and starting point.
Artists of all ages and at every stage of their career are invited to apply for the project, which is supported by an Arts Council England National Lottery grant.
One of the main goals of Latin Elephant’s scheme is to create opportunities for artists to interact and participate in the local community, alongside pursuing art that is research-based.
“We are looking for art projects and ideas that are driven by a critical, research-based, and social approach,” they said.
“These two opportunities encourage artists working on collaborative, participative and socially engaged art to explore, research, and experiment with their practices and with the communities at Elephant and Castle.”
Successful applicants will be given an artistic fee of £1,500 and a materials budget of £300, besides support and assistance from Latin Elephant, Gasworks and the South London Gallery.
Access to the equipment of the South London Gallery and Gasworks will also be provided.
A workshop, written piece and visual essay will need to be published as part of the project, and there will be an opportunity for the artist to hold a public talk about their work.
Applicants can live anyway in the UK, but they will need to cover their own travel and accommodation in London, if they are selected.
Applications from duos or collectives are also accepted.
Approximately 10% of the population in the borough of Southwark is Latin American and most of this community is based in Elephant and Castle.
To apply for the scheme email: info@latinelephant.org
Applications in text, video or sound are accepted where the following information is provided:
- Artistic statement (300 words)
- Contact information and address
- 10 images, video links or audio clips of recent work
- CV
- An idea of what you would like to explore, research and approach in the Elephant and Castle area (350 words)
The deadline is 13 April. Successful applications will be informed 25 April 2022.