18 February – 1 March 2019
ISLANDS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

ABOUT

Becomebecome is thrilled to announce a new nomadic residency, symposium and exhibition program taking place in magnificent Bali, Indonesia. In collaboration with the Bali Purnati Art Foundation, we invite curators and researchers to apply for this full-immersive journey that investigates transdisciplinary approaches to the theme Islands of Consciousness.

During this 12-day residency in the town of Ubud, we will engage with a multi-layered program of exchange, territory exploration and wellbeing practices. For the 2nd Becomebecome Symposium on Transdisciplinary Narratives, we have partnered with Bali Purnati Center for the Arts, a Foundation and cultural institution that has existed for two decades and is a pioneer on the island in the space of transdisciplinary research and international collaboration. Among other projects, Bali Purnati is the birthplace of the I La Galigo production by theatre director Robert Wilson and fostered an original music arrangement between Grammy Award ®, Polar Music Prize and the Avery Fisher Prize winners KRONOS Quartet and Suppangah Rahayu, the renowned Indonesia composer. As part of our dialogue with the local community, BecomeBecome participants are invited to share their work and ideas in progress during our process-exhibit at the end of the residency.

ISLANDS OF CONSCIOUSNESS

Taking the leap from transdisciplinary to transpersonal, the thematic focus of Islands of Consciousness hones in on the ways in which artwork is nourished by exchange across and beyond different disciplines. How does one’s practice expand once we include “the other”, distributed in the many points or islands of consciousness we encounter in our dialogue? How do practices that expand our mindfulness and awareness also expand our practice as artists and researchers? How can we include information about the body, intuition and spontaneous inspiration in our work so that are not limited to academic explorations of a given topic?

During this 12-day residency, Becomebecomers will experience a series of holistic labs that invite us to discover how we can embed rationally generated knowledge into a space only accessible with the body. As practitioners, we may find ourselves stuck predominantly in a head-space or mental loops. Accessing the learning process through the body and senses, we will dive into a more visceral experience of information that includes but is not limited to academic or strictly rational approaches.

From group-dynamics and intervention labs we will explore ancestral traditions and cutting-edge systems, to connect each project with the idea and practice of movement, motion, and a quality of experience that is process-based- meaning that it only exists by taking into account the temporal dimension. Taking nourishment and inspiration from the unique natural landscape and locations in the island of Bali, participants will work with the transpersonal elements of the subconscious, allowing us to expand awareness of personal information about each project in a way that is only possible because of exchange with others.

Through a range of hands-on activities, perception strategies, and subconscious expeditions guided by dreams, intuition and synchronicity, our peer-to-peer methodology will help bring forth effective inspiration and create unexpected new developments for the various projects in the program. Participating artists, researchers and curators will have an opportunity to engage in fruitful dialogue with colleagues from all over the world while connecting with the local art community. During the residency all Becomebecomers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the luscious environments of Bali, which is known for its strong mystical appeal. This will help further moving beyond ordinary mental routines and access a unique sensory landscape where new ideas, and connections hold the potential to trigger novel insight.

EXHIBITION & TRANSDISCIPLINARY SYMPOSIUM

As a partner of Becomebecome, the Bali Purnati Foundation invites our artists and researchers to participate in the 2nd International Becomebecome Symposium on Transdisciplinary Narratives. This open invitation allows participants to exchange ideas within a set range of time parameters, while using any format and language chosen by the presenters. This format is designed to embolden daring project presentations, flash labs and talks about each presenter’s research and projects. Local Balinese contributors are also invited to take part in the Symposium, providing Becomebecomers with another rich opportunity for transcultural exchange of ideas, feedback, and collaborations. This full-day event will take place on the spacious premises of the Bali Purnati Foundation, and participants are free to showcase or install their work in any of the indoor and outdoor spaces available. Building on the experience of 1st International Becomebecome Symposium on Transdisciplinary Narratives, we expect another fascinating and fruitful day of practical labs, academic research and new collaborative encounters that last beyond the days of our residency.

As a second aspect of our Residency,, we will explore a unique chance to transform the projects through direct and practice-led dialogue with local Balinese arts and cultural scene. The third milestone of the residency will be our process-exhibit at the end of the Residency. The idea of our process-exhibits is to remove the pressure to create a “perfect’ or “finished” art piece and allow artists to share their process, while inviting the public to leave their mark and feedback on the work-in-progress.

THE TERRITORY

Our residency leads us straight to the cultural and spiritual heart of Bali- the beautiful town of Ubud. Located in the center of the island and surrounded by rice fields, temples and tropical forests, this town is known for its magnetic charm, regularly drawing in creatives, freelancers, and seekers from all corners of the world. The wealth of art, sacred locations, markets and natural sites will serve as key points of our territory exploration, during which we will not only receive invaluable new material for our work but also leave an impact on the local community through social interaction and exchange. Free afternoons and structured excursions will provide Becomebecomers with an opportunity to find their own unique way to engage with the diverse territory that surrounds us.

From an arts perspective, Ubud has a rich history of exchange between east and west. Pioneering artists like Walter Spies, who moved to the island in the 1930s and co-founded the Pita Maha Artists Cooperative together with fellow artist Rudolf Bonnet, have left their mark on the cultural scenes and continue to be key references in the history of artistic exchange between Asia and Europe. Stepping into and beyond the path these artists have carved for transcultural dialogue, we will experience how the continuing lure of Bali stands to transform our own practices and artwork.

THE BECOMEBECOME BALI HUB – ACCOMMODATION & LOGISTICS

Artists will be accommodated in shared double rooms in a villa complex just outside of Ubud. with a a limited number of single rooms available. With 10 minutes driving distance to the heart of Ubud, our hub is located close enough to the center for our cultural explorations, while providing a space of nature. Overlooking a tropical forest grove and nestled into an expansive garden area with a private pool, our base will provide the ideal nest for many of our labs and invite us into relaxation. A nourishing breakfast as well as daily transfer to and from Ubud are included. As a spa room is directly attached to the villa, Becomebecomers will have the chance to book massages and other treatments during their stay.

WHO CAN APPLY?

Artists, curators, writers and researchers from all backgrounds are invited to the open call. The diversity of participants in previous events has created fresh outlooks and exceptional work, and we intend to build on these unique synergies during our Bali residency.

To apply, send the following information to info@becomebecome.com

• A statement about the project you wish to work on (max. 280 words)
• A bio (max. 180 words)
• A web link to your art work or research (if available)

HOW IS THE RESIDENCY FUNDED?

BecomeBecome is a non-profit network of individuals and social actors that host nomadic residencies across the world. By being able to share in the resources of our collaborating partners, we keep fees and expenses to a minimum for participants. All open calls are free of charge and participants contribute a fee only once they have been admitted to ensure that organisational expenses can be covered.

The cost of the residency, including 11 nights accommodation in a double room, breakfast, daily transport and all other residency logistics is €780 (+VAT if applicable).

ARRIVAL ON THE 18th of February 2019,

DEPARTURE 1st of March

DEADLINE: 7th of January 2019

ROLLING ADMISSION LIMITED TO 12 PARTICIPANTS.

Early application strongly advised.

If you are looking to receive funding for this residency upon admittance, please let us know as soon as possible so we can provide you with the appropriate documentation.

THE WHOLE BECOMEBECOME TEAM IS LOOKING FORWARD TO RECEIVING YOUR APPLICATIONS