CINEWORKS MEDIA ARTS COMMISSION (call for proposals) July 28, 2008

Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society would like to invite Canadian mid-career and established artists to submit proposals for an exhibition exploring the dynamic screen of contemporary cinema. Expanded cinema, new-media and experimental works will be given preference.

Gilles Deleuze, in his Cinema 1, poses the question “what is cinema?” This investigation has been complicated by our modern condition of the increased rate at which we receive and filter information everyday; the proliferation of screens–personal, portable and public; commercial cinema and advertising; and invisible networks of data transmission. The screen has moved out of the theatre and become a fluid entity. How have the temporal and spatial differences of viewing moving images in the theatre, gallery, at home or in the urban environment affected our experience of cinema? Cineworks is seeking proposals for works that will delve into our relationship with dynamic screens, analyzing their psychological and practical consequences on film production and consumption. According to Deleuze, the cinematic eye allows us to see and think in new ways. How has contemporary cinema shaped our perceptions? Considering that we constantly encounter screens in our mediated culture, how is it that we interact with them?

What is cinema becoming?

This commission will allow an artist or artist team (up to three people) to research, develop and exhibit a media arts project for the 2009/2010 programming year. The budget will include all costs associated with, but not limited to: research, production, technician support, travel related to the production, rentals of equipment and facilities, project materials, artist fees, installation and documentation. This submission will be the basis of Cineworks's application to the Canada Council for the Arts for a commissioning grant. Please see the Media Arts Commissioning Program link at http://www.canadacouncil.ca/mediaarts/ for budget stipulations et cetera or email alicia@cineworks.ca.
This commission is dependent on funding.

Applicants must demonstrate that they have basic training in media arts and, if applicable, indicate that they will employ support from experienced technicians working in independent media arts as part of the commission.
Artists and artist teams are encouraged to submit proposals (with specific sites in mind).

Submissions should include the following:

Contact info: name, address, telephone and email
Artist statement and proposal detailing the project's connection to the call (max. 1000 words)
A proposed budget outlining the materials, equipment and support required.
A current C.V.
Examples of previous work on CD or DVD (please include a SASE if you want this material returned) with basic project descriptions (media, title and year of production)
A timeline for research, production and presentation of work (this programming is for 2009/2010)

Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society was established in 1980 by independent filmmakers and artists working in film. The organization has evolved to embrace a broad spectrum of media arts practices while maintaining a commitment to support artists interested in utilizing celluloid and exploring the cinematic experience.

Submissions can be sent by post only to the following address:

Media-Arts Commission
Cineworks Independent Filmmakers Society
300-1131 Howe Street
Vancouver, BC
V6Z 2L7

The postmark deadline for submitting materials is July 28, 2008.

Questions can be directed to Alicia Munro, Programs Assistant, at alicia@cineworks.ca

Official Website: http://www.cineworks.ca/