CALL FOR PROPOSAL / PIVOT 2022-2023

The Canadian League of Composers (CLC), in partnership with Sporobole, is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the 2022-2023 PIVOT Mentorship Program

 

CLOSED CALL

Deadline: August 1, 2022 at 11:59pm

 

PIVOT is a mentorship and artistic growth program for self-identified early-career Canadian artists working in music and sound, presented by the CLC, in partnership with various ensembles and organizations across the country.

This edition of PIVOT provides an unparalleled opportunity for three composers/sound artists across Canada to work directly with a mentor-artist. After the selection process, PIVOT organizers consult with selected participants to identify mentors based on complementary artistic and learning goals. Participants will be guided by their mentors over a six-month period as they create a new installation/sound art/electro-acoustic work (without instruments) to be presented at  Sporobole, one of Canada’s most innovative, dynamic, and exciting artist-run spaces.

In May 2023, a 2-week onsite residency will take place at Sporobole in Sherbrooke, QC. Participants will travel to Sherbrooke, QC for these events; due to the hands-on nature of working with sound and technology in the space, in-person participation is necessary for this iteration. Sporobole’s staff will be on-site to assist with the organization of the space. The project will culminate in the public presentation of the three works at Sporobole .

Projects will have to be feasible within Sporobole’s working/presentation space and equipment (a list of available equipment at Sporobole can be found here). Details and photos of the interior space can be found here. There is also an exterior space or “sound window,” an outdoor linear device of 16 speakers integrated into Sporobole’s building facade (photos found here.)  You can learn more about the outside space through Déjà-vu, an online diffusion platform of immersive and virtual sound works created from the 3D digitization of Sporobole’s outdoor space.

Sporobole’s staff will provide ongoing logistical/technical support for the participants.

 

Eligibility Requirements :

  • Self-identified early-career artist working in music and sound (please feel free to contact PIVOT organizers if you have questions about your eligibility status);
  • Substantial training and/or experience in their artistic practice to experience the full benefits of PIVOT; post-secondary training is not a requirement, nor is working within Western European practices/notation;
  • Anyone residing in Canada or Canadian citizens living abroad;
  • No age restriction;
  • Administrative Staff and Board / Council members of CLC and Sporobole are not eligible.

Submissions are encouraged in a wide variety of styles, reflecting the plurality of sonic arts today.  Diversity in all its forms (race, culture, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, language, physical ability, and age) will be a guiding factor.  We particularly welcome applications from artists whom are women, non-binary, trans, Black, Indigenous, People of Colour, as well as artists from traditionally under-represented populations. PIVOT organizers are available to consult on the application process, and will prioritize dialogue with under-represented community members.

Technical Considerations: Sporobole has multiple working and presentation spaces, suitable for various projects from outdoor public installation to acousmatic musical works. Proposals should specify the type of space/style of presentation you envision for your work. Exact technical specifications and possibilities are to be discussed and confirmed with the organizers.

 

Project Timeline:

  • Application Deadline: August 1
  • Jury process: mid-late August
  • Participants notified, mentors selected: September
  • Announcement: early October
  • Writing and mentorship process: October-March
  • Delivery of Draft Project, March 1
  • January-May: Regular, bi-monthly Virtual Professional Development Sessions
  • In-person residency in Sherbrooke: May 8-24
  • Premiere presentation: May 24

 

Applicants must submit the following through the online form:

  • Basic information (full name, address, phone, email);
  • Current CV including a highlighted list of works with hyperlinksto streaming audio/video where available (maximum 3 pages, PDF document);
  • A 250-word bio;
  • Links to streaming audio/video recordings of 3 recent works (do not submit scores);
  • Answer to three short questions (total word count should not exceed 1000)

Applications must be submitted through the ONLINE FORM by August 1, 2022 at 11:59pm PST.

 

Duration of program: October 2022 to May 2023

Finances: The CLC will provide a $1500 honouraria for composers’ artistic work, and $1500 for composers’ per diem during the 2-week residency in Sherbrooke. Accommodations will be provided at no cost by Sporobole in their residency space. The CLC will support composers in securing travel to and from Sherbrooke.

Selection: Three applicants will be selected by a four-person jury composed of a CLC board member, a representative from Sporobole’s artistic team, and two external jurors all facilitated by the CLC administrative team.

This year’s jury will consist of William Kuo (CLC), Nathalie Bachand (Artistic co-director, Sporobole), Eliot Britton (External), Jessica Thompson (External)

For further clarity on the assessment criteria used, please see the jury guidelines.