BLANK CANVAS History
The Firkin Crane received a remarkable 52 applications from artists from artists across the world for the dance residency programme BLANK CANVAS 2010.
Proposals were particularly invited for multidisciplinary and collaborative dance projects, that aim to push the boundaries of the artists' comfort zones and encourage artistic exchange, which would strengthen ties between Irish and international artists and create exciting opportunities for the dance community in Ireland. The Firkin Crane will work in partnership with each artist in tailoring the residency to the needs of each project, subject to the resources available.
BLANK CANVAS 2009
Having received 29 applications in this first year from Irish, European and Internationally based artists, the selection process was highly competitive. Each applicant's proposal was considered by a panel of dance experts and it was decided that BLANK CANVAS would support 11 artists and companies during 2009.
On Monday 2 February, the first four independent dance artists commenced their individual residencies. These were Ursula Chapman, Inma Moya Pavon, Laura Murphy and Catherine Young. Each was assigned space and time during every week until the end of May. They celebrated the closure of Phase 1 of Blank Canvas in the first week of June with the FLY ON THE WALL drop-in sessions.
On Friday June 5, Mary Nunan launched the celebration of Phase 1 of Blank Canvas with FLY ON THE WALL, OFF THE WALL, during which all four artists (supported by other dancers and musicians) came together to present, share and reveal some surprises from their four month residencies at the Firkin Crane. Visitors from all over the world, as well as interested locals, came and watched. One young lad even donated to the props! Afterwards, many of the hugely appreciative audience lingered on the warm steps, to discuss the wonderful work-in-progress that they had just seen.
Phase 2 of BLANK CANVAS 2009 ended successfully with a sharing by the three international dance artists who had been in residence, each in their own space, for two weeks in July:
Liz Lea was working on a new solo piece inspired by the Ajanta Caves in India and her research into the early dance pioneers Anna Pavlova and Ruth St Denis.
Matthew Morris began developing his own working project and held two fantastic professional dance classes.
Carlos Cortes engaged with local dancers and musicians as part of his continuous investigation into how movement can be a liberating force, can help to engage with the physical environment, and involve audience and performers in dynamics that change the way space is perceived/inhabited.
In August, Phase 3 of Blank Canvas 2009 proved to be an exciting time. The Firkin Crane welcomed Nick Bryson and Cristina Goletti of Legitimate Bodies and Mairead Vaughan of Shakram Dance to its studios. Both companies were given the freedom to explore, research, develop individual work processes. At the end of this residency they revealed some of their experiences, investigations and creations in a short informal sharing open to all on Friday 4 September.
Fidget Feet returned for Phase 4 of BLANK CANVAS in October. They developed a new aerial dance piece, manifesting in reality, visions of a trio moving in a sensual maze of fabric, film and animation. There was a chance to gain insight into this work in progress in a spectacular sharing on Friday October 23rd.
Phluxus Dance Collective from Brisbane, Australia were in residence for the month of November.
Throughout the process, the Firkin Crane aims to provide a supportive environment to germinate creative endeavours and build bridges amongst artists, allowing for professional exchange, exploration and artistic growth.
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