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Danslab (2006-2011)

Danslab was a practice based research initiative that encourages a network for the artist’s development and exchange, as well build on a centre for knowledge of artistic research, dance and choreography. In 2011 we changed our course. In a time when contemporary arts organizations struggle to survive, together with the artists, we invest in creating a working environment that is beneficial for the community of independent (dance) artists in the Netherlands. We want to strengthen the practice and position of the self-employed in the performing arts, both in an artistic as an economic sense.

It have been meaningful years, where we managed:

- Build an institution driven by the artists
- Create a platform for divers perspectives for dance research, exchange and artistic knowledge development
- Publish the book ‘No Maps For These Territories’ that shares the artists voice and insights with the field and the audience.
- Initiate the Network for Choreography & Related Arts to strengthen the entrepreneurship and possibilities for innovation and growth for freelance (dance) artist

Thank you

Herewith I would like to thank everybody that has been part of our projects. It has been a journey with often unpredictable but valuable experiences. Thanks to all that have put marvellous energy into the creation, development, exploration and mirroring of Danslab: the choreographers, dancers and performers, dramaturges, visual artists, experts and inspirators from in&outside the dance field, sparring partners, collaborators, volunteers, the Danslab board and our public!

And especially the funds that made our activities financially possible: the city of The Hague, VSB Fonds, SNS REAAL Fonds, Prins Bernhard Cultuurfonds and Fonds 1818. 

Kind regards, Jette Schneider

DANSLAB AS WE KNOW IT ALLOWS ITSELF TO REACT ON INSTABLE TIMES BY LETTING GO OF WHAT WE HAVE BEEN, BY CHANGING PATHS AND SEARCHING FOR TRANSFORMATION. WE BELIEVE THAT THE SPIRIT OF DANSLAB WILL CONTINUE BY ALL EXPERIENCES WE HAD AND THE COMMUNITY WE BUILD. AND WE ARE LOOKING FORWARD TO GENERATE NEW DREAMS AND IDEAS.

 

Defining and developing the Network during a series of work sessions and Think tanks

Summary:
A group of freelance dance artists unite in order to be heard in the debate. It is a group that so far can be described as fragmented. But as we reflect upon the current times and our opportunities for the future, we see it as a challenge and a necessity to define our role and responsibility in the arts sector from our own perspective. 

This proposal: Network for Choreography and Related Arts is a summary of the creation process for this network model. It is not a fully detailed business plan, nor is it a policy paper. It is a concept proposal, of which we are happy to inform you. During a series of large and small gatherings involving a group of 70 independent artists, this proposal was developed. 440 people have signed an earlier version online. The proposal is constantly discussed with independent artists from other disciplines, scientists operating within arts policy, philosophers and sociologists, and experts from industry.

Read the proposal:visit the website 

 

Crew

 

Creation first proposal Network for Choreography & Related Arts’  (May 2011): Jette Schneider, Jack Gallagher, Bruno Listopad, Giulia Mureddu, Keren Levi, Diane Elshout and Eline Tan

 

 

PROCESS: 

  • Recent: for artists with artists
    At the moment we are busy translating the concept into practice....more information will follow soon. Please always feel welcome to contact us with questions, remarks and suggestions.
    contact@network-for-choreographic-art.nl / 06-26 778 753
     

  • 5 July 2011
    We received a letter by the secretary Zijlstra. He writes he is enthousiastic about the concept and wishes us good luck with the creation of it. Read the letter
     

  • 1 June 2011
    We received a letter by the States-General (Tweede Kamer). The commission discussed our proposal during a conference and has decided to enforce the secretary Zijlstra to react on the proposal. In an official document he has to articulate his opinion and attitude towards it.
     

  • 9 May 2011
    The Network proposal was send to the policy makers.

Result: rising of the self-led organization Cloud

We are now building a number of services (read functions) that the independent (dance)artist needs in order to work, to organize and to present. These services will be embedded in a so-called support structure, in which the various functions to operate are decentralized. The network is an open structure that relates to the dynamic of the work field. It is flexible, accessible, bottom-up developed and horizontally organized and includes the strengths of the artist and the qualities of a new generation. Independency, collaboration and creative entrepreneurship get stimulated. It is is a learning environment for and by engaged artists, which provides an addition to and an alternative thinking model for the existing institutional frameworks. Cloud From spring 2012 the daily management of DANSLAB has been transmitted to CLOUD, a small group of people who is experimenting with the possibilities of self-organization for independent dance and related artists. Up till now it has been a very intensive process. All CLOUD participants invested an enormous amount of time and energy to let the concept grow. They did a great job. It became already a vibrant surrounding and network - we are curious where it will further bring us..... 

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