Six Greater Manchester-based artists have been selected for an opportunity to learn from some of the best artists and practitioners in the world in a scheme launched by Manchester International Festival. The chosen artists, who are within the first ten years of their creative practice, reflect the rich diversity of the festival programme with work spanning poetry, film, music, theatre, technology and visual art.
The Jerwood Creative Fellowship programme will offer each of these Manchester-based creatives a £3,000 bursary and the chance to gain a unique insight into the international artistic processes and networks behind MIF commissions and productions.
Each artist has been identified as being at a pivotal stage in their career to develop new knowledge, experience, skills and networks. Whilst on the programme, the chosen artists will support and encourage each other to share their practice, knowledge and learning as they progress.
Jack Sheen is a conductor, composer and pioneer of contemporary music. He has worked already with many of the world’s leading composers and in 2017 became the RNCM’s youngest ever Junior Fellow. Remi Adefeysian is a rapper, producer and founder of Truth Be Told theatre company, a collective keen to platform the narratives of black, minority and working class communities. Poet and producer Nasima Begum, member of the MIF Youth Forum and past participant of MIF’s dance and spoken word project Breathe, explores her own personal stories of intersectionality. Theatre maker, actor and writer, Yusra Warsama, explores expression and experience through challenging the relationship between audience and performer. Moving from the stage to the screen, Naqqash Khalid pushes the limits of the form and genre of film whilst Caroline Ward works across moving image, science, design and sound.
Speaking of her feelings about being selected for the scheme, Caroline Ward said: ‘The fellowship offers a unique opportunity to immerse in cutting edge original work, I know of no other opportunity quite like it.’
Over a six-month period, the artists will be matched to one of the commissions for MIF19, which takes place 4-21 July and features new work by artists, including Yoko Ono, Idris Elba and Kwame Kwei-Armah and Skepta. They will have unique access to the creation process, including the chance to attend international rehearsals. There will also be opportunities to share their learning through peer to peer interaction and develop a series of events with colleagues and friends.
Jack Sheen said of the programme, ‘This Fellowship is going to be a huge learning curve for me, taking my work as an artist and a curator into much more expansive territory alongside some really brilliant young artists.’
Naqqash Khalidalso expressed his excitement at the opportunity, ‘The Festival curates and produces such bold, interdisciplinary work - it is a privilege to be involved, and to have the opportunity to experience it from the inside.’
The Fellowship scheme is a key part of MIF’s journey towards The Factory, the major new arts space being developed in the heart of the city that will be operated by MIF. As well as being a world-class cultural destination for visitors from across the globe, The Factory will play a significant role in the life of the city and the people living here, through its pioneering programme of skills, training and engagement, developing the next generation of creative talent.
For more info visit: mif.co.uk
About MIF
Manchester International Festival (MIF) is the world’s first festival of original, new work and special events, staged every two years in Manchester, UK. MIF launched in 2007 as an artist-led festival presenting new works from across the spectrum of performing arts, visual arts and popular culture. The next Festival takes place from 4 – 21 July 2019.
MIF has commissioned, produced and presented world premieres by artists including Marina Abramović, Damon Albarn, Björk, Boris Charmatz, Jeremy Deller, Elbow, Wayne McGregor, Steve McQueen, Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, Thomas Ostermeier, Maxine Peake, Punchdrunk, The xx, Robert Wilson and Zaha Hadid Architects.
MIF brings together world-renowned artists from different art forms and backgrounds to create dynamic, innovative and forward-thinking new work, staged in venues across Greater Manchester – from theatres, galleries and concert halls to railway depots, churches and car parks. MIF works closely with venues, festivals and other cultural organisations globally, whose financial and creative input helps to make many of these projects possible and ensures that work made at MIF goes on to be seen around the world.
MIF’s year-round Creative Community programme also works widely within Manchester with a community of creative people from all backgrounds, ages and corners of the city who are forging closer connections with the Festival.
MIF’s Artistic Director and CEO is John McGrath. MIF will also be the operator for The Factory, a new world-class cultural space being developed in Manchester, which will commission, present and produce new work from the world’s greatest artists, offering a space to make, explore and experiment.
MIF is a registered charity and company limited by guarantee. mif.co.uk
About Jerwood Arts
Jerwood Arts is the leading independent funder dedicated to supporting UK artists, curators and producers to develop and thrive. We enable transformative opportunities for individuals across art forms, supporting imaginative awards, fellowships, programmes, commissions and collaborations. We present new work and bring people from across the arts together in the galleries at Jerwood Space, London, as well as at venues across the UK.
This is great news for MIF and local artists. I look forward to seeing who gets commissioned. Thanks for sharing Oscar - do keep the updates coming.