Common LAB 2024 is part of Common stories, a project that brings together performing
arts organisations, artists and audiences to address the dynamic notions of identity and
cultural diversity in a changing European society.

Identity constructions are based on and strengthened by stories and experiences. Stories tell us who we are and who we strive to become. They question and challenge the way we see ourselves and others. We believe that a diversity of stories and a multiplicity of perspectives will allow for a more accurate and fair understanding of the political, cultural and social challenges we face in creating common grounds in European societies, which are characterized by volatility, uncertainty, complexity, ambiguity, and the struggle for social justice.

European societies are historically built upon inequalities that, we believe, need to be addressed. Cultural sectors, both concretely and symbolically, are riddled with colonial tensions and rationales, as well as logics of domination and power relations. In the performing arts sector, resources, decision-making and programming positions are still mostly in the hands of a white male middle-and-upper-classes majority, while artists and art professionals from different cultural, social, gender and ability backgrounds are largely underrepresented on and off stage, especially in decision-making and leadership positions.

In Common stories, promoted artistic practices and contents will contribute to the development of a wider transformative framework to better welcome and listen to multiple voices and perspectives.

We will hold three Common LABs, one in each year from 2023 to 2025. We will select
eight artists for each lab.

Each Common LAB is comprised of four two-week modules in four different cities
including one location outside of Europe, for a total of eight weeks.

Throughout the programme of Common LAB, we will pay particular attention to the
following issues:
– Artistic practices and stories that are underrepresented or absent from our
institutions.
– The relevance of diversity in language, aesthetics and representation.

Lab contents will also be discussed with artists and shaped according to the profiles and
interests of selected artists.

A programme of activities
● Stipend (80€/residency day)
● Travel and accommodation

Most activities will be in English. Translation from/to English may be offered for some
activities, according to the needs of the participants.

Artists who:
● address the dynamic notions of multiculturality or interculturality in a
changing European society, both at a professional and personal level
● have a professional practice in the performing arts – Dance, Theatre,
Performance
● are interested in researching a project
● live and work in Europe
● have a good command of English 
● are available to fully participate in the four scheduled modules

Only the artist/author leading the project may apply. Group applications cannot be accommodated as Common LAB will only support the costs of one person per project.

We strongly encourage applications from artists of all ethnicities, cultures, nationalities, as well as abilities and disabilities, sexes, gender identities and expressions, ages, and socioeconomic statuses.

How will projects be selected?

Applications will be evaluated by Panaíbra Gabriel Canda (CulturArte), Carla Nobre Sousa and David Cabecinha (Alkantara), Pierre Thys and Valérie Martino (Théâtre National Wallonie Brussels), Hortense Archambault and Virginie Dupray (MC93). Evaluators will consider the project the applicant would like to research, as well as their background and previous works.

As part of the process, applications will be discussed with two members of the Common stories Advisory Committee. They will examine applications and deliver recommendations on the diversity of the group and the relevance of the selected artistic projects.

Up to 20 shortlisted artists will be invited to participate in a 20-minute interview between January 15th and 20th. Final results will be announced by email by January 26th, 2024.

All artists will be informed about the result of their application, whether they are selected or not. We will not be able to provide individual feedback. All applications will be carefully reviewed, but please keep in mind that our decisions are final.

Complete the application form available by December 10th, 2023, 11pm UTC. We encourage you to submit your application in English, but we will also consider applications in Portuguese, French, German, Polish and Swedish.

1. Name
2. Country of residence
3. Age
4. Gender (Male / Female / other, please specify)
5. What are the pronouns we should use to refer to you? (He / She / They / Other,
   please specify)
6. Field(s) of work (Theatre / Dance / Performance / Other, please specify)
7. Briefly present the project you would like to research and pitch in Common LAB.
   (Max 3000 characters)
8. Briefly describe your artistic journey and previous works. (Max 6000 characters)
9. Please share some information about your background in relation to the values of
   Common stories. (Max 3000 characters)
10. What are your motivations for applying? What do you expect from the
    programme? (Max 2500 characters)
11. Do you confirm you are available to participate in all four modules of Common
    LAB, as scheduled?
12. Please upload pdf documents for:
    ● CV
    ● Artistic presentation of the work you would like to research, in the context
    of Common LAB
    ● Documentation about previous works, including links to videos, website
    and social media
13. Please use this section if you want to add something about your personal or
    professional situation that we would need to take into account in order for you to
    participate.

SELF-IDENTIFICATION SECTION (OPTIONAL)

The project is co-financed by the Creative Europe program.