Street LAB: Live Art Busking Commissions

Exeter Phoenix and Blind Ditch are offering two £1,000 commissions to develop itinerant new work that includes music for Street LAB . This micro-festival of live art busking will form part of Art Week Exeter (13-21 May) and we are looking for entertaining and politically engaged concepts that bring audiences into lively encounters with contemporary live art practice on the streets of the city… and encourage their appreciation through donations directly into your pocket!

Street music is at the heart of historical debates around taste, place and disruption; often described as being democratic and open to anyone, particularly those with limited means. Live Art offers a haven to artists whose practice does not necessarily comply with the strictures of the traditional, often engaging with the forms and politics of the margins.

We are looking for two artists or artist groups to develop projects that combine these practices to make new work with Exeter street audiences that is accessible and challenging, provocative and generous.

We will negotiate a range of public sites for artists to work in with Exeter City Council and retail centres in the city. Each LAB event will be accompanied on the street by a volunteer steward and Street LAB signage Any public donations gathered through the event will belong to the artists. Artists are required to deliver street engagement on a minimum of 3 days throughout the week, but can be present as much as you like above this. As part AWE there will be an Art Car Boot on Exeter Quay, Sun 14 May. 

Applications deadline: Fri 31 Mar

Commissions announced: Fri 7 Apr

Artists will receive:

• £1,000 commission
• An expenses/materials budget of £300
• We will endeavour to arrange low cost billeting with local artists if needed.

Apply Here

Please use the online form to submit:

[contact-form-7 id=”17281″ title=”Street Lab Application Form”]

More about Blind Ditch

Blind Ditch is a small group of artists and associates that make live art and performance, street interventions & traveling art objects, participatory and social events. We have been producing the life-art mix of rural & experimental from our Devon base since 2001.

More about Music In Devon Initiative

Music In Devon Initiative is a non-profit-making organisation which has been founded by a group of local musicians and music industry professionals. We aim to develop emerging talent, increase opportunities for musicians and audiences, and generate business for the music industry in Devon.

More about Art Week Exeter

Art Week Exeter is a new festival of contemporary art bringing together galleries & open studios, workshops and interventions in venues, homes and public spaces across Exeter. This commission is part of an ambition to share vibrant, contemporary practice with a wide range of audiences in the city.

More about Exeter Street LAB

Exeter Street LAB is an artist-led project visioned by Blind Ditch and Exeter Phoenix with support from Music In Devon Initiative. Funded by Exeter City Council and Arts Council England.