Open Call for research trip to Performa Biennial in New York

Frame Contemporary Art Finland opens a call for Finland-based art professionals and curators specialised in performance art and live art to join a research trip to New York. The week-long study trip happens concurrently with the opening week of the tenth edition of Performa Biennial, taking place November 1–19, 2023.

The primary purpose of the trip is to provide an opportunity for the participants to take part in Performa Biennial’s events, see live performances and build relationships with local contemporary art organisations and professionals. Participants gain insight into the scene of contemporary performance art by getting to meet artists, curators and institutions while mapping out possible collaborations for future projects.

The trip is the latest iteration of Frame’s research trips organised since 2016, and part of Performa 2023 Finnish Pavilion Without Walls programme.

When and where?

The week-long trip takes place during the Performa Biennial opening week, approximately between 30 October – 6 November 2023 in New York City. The schedule is confirmed according to the Performa’s programme published later this year. The programme will include performances, meetings and some evening events. The participants are expected to organise also their own meetings according to their interests.

Who can apply?

Four participants will be selected for the trip. We wish for applications from art experts and curators who are affiliated with performance and live art. The call is open to Finnish or Finland-based applicants.

Also, we are happy to welcome participants who would be interested in joining the trip with funding from other sources such as their own organisation.

Funding and travel requirements

The selected participants will receive travel support of 2 500 € each. The sum can be used for travel from Finland to New York City and back, local transportation, accommodation and tickets for performances during the biennial. The grantees take care of their own travel and accommodation arrangements. The sum is paid in August, and the participants will have to report its usage after the trip. The participants cover the costs of their meals, tickets and other personal costs.

The participants must ensure that they meet all necessary healthcare regulations for travel to the United States prior to the trip including the required Covid-19 vaccinations, and have the necessary documentation proving their vaccination status, as well as have valid personal travel insurance.

The participants must also check in the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) their eligibility to travel to the United States under the Visa Waiver Program (VWP), or have a valid visa or other travel permit to the US.

Accessibility

The trip includes full daily schedules and moving with public transportation such as trains. The daily programme includes multiple social situations. The working language of the trip is English. Please contact us if you have questions about the accessibility or traveling conditions on the trip.

Application procedure

Your application should comprise a motivation letter and a CV in a single PDF file:

1. A motivation letter (1 page) in English or in Finnish, describing why participation in the trip has relevance to your work; such as if there are specific local organisations or professionals you wish to meet; and what is interesting for you about Performa Biennial
2. A CV, describing your curatorial or other professional experience

Please send these in a single PDF file to applications@frame-finland.fi by Sunday 4 June 2023.

The applications are assessed by a committee consisting of Frame’s Grants coordinator Jaakko Uoti, Director of HIAP Juha Huuskonen and the Head of Culture at the City of Oulu Johanna Tuukkanen. The motivation of the applicant plays an important role in the selection.

Decisions on the study trip participants will be made in June 2023.

Frame advocates equity within the art field. We encourage applications from candidates of varied ages, genders and linguistic, cultural or other minorities. If you belong to any of these groups, please feel free to indicate this in your application. All information will be processed confidentially.

For more information, contact:

Raija Koli, Director
Frame Contemporary Art Finland
+358 44 728 9938
raija.koli@frame-finland.fi

Frame Contemporary Art Finland is an advocate for Finnish contemporary art. Frame supports international initiatives, facilitates professional partnerships, and encourages critical development of the field through grants, visitor programme and curator residencies, seminars and talks, exhibition collaborations and network platforms. Frame coordinates Finland’s participation in the Venice Biennale.