Future Voices
To celebrate Apples and Snakes’ 40th anniversary, they’re launching Future Voices – a project that seeks to nurture and grow emerging talent from across England.
They have invited leading spoken word artists and filmmakers to run a jam-packed masterclass programme, available to 40 emerging poets online. The aim of the programme is for participants to produce a short poetic film (one minute long) to accompany a new poem about their ‘world’ – their life, local environment or city. At the end of the project, these films will be shared and celebrated at small live events and an online showcase.
Each of the 40 selected poets will receive a commission of £500 for taking part and producing their film and poem. The programme will happen online, apart from a final celebration event at a local hub. To take part, you will need WiFi connection, a recording device (most smartphones will be fine for this) and access to Zoom.
The programme outline
The partner organisations represent five different regions across England – North, Midlands, London, South West and South East. You will be assigned into groups of eight and this will be based on your location. They are not able to allocate your group based on preference and sadly they are unable to receive applications from those based outside of England.
The partner organisations are: Young Identity, Gallery37, Poetic Unity, People Dem Collective, and Milk Poetry.
The tutors for this programme will be announced soon.
As part of the programme you will:
- Be paid a commission of £500 to create a one-minute poetic film to accompany a new poem – both created by you. This will be paid either 50% at the start of the programme, once an agreement has been signed and 50% after the piece has been produced, or 100% at the end of the programme.
- Attend a programme of eight online masterclasses (each up to 2.5 hours long) hosted by professional filmmakers and poets. These will happen on Zoom and will be hosted by Apples and Snakes and the regional hub partners. These will take place on either a Monday or Tuesday evening.
- Share your work at a live celebration event with your regional partner at the end of the programme. You will be paid £100 fee to perform and they will cover your travel costs.
- Attend an online closing symposium to reflect on the programme, feedback on how it went for you and celebrate the work you’ve made.
Who can apply
You must meet the following criteria:
- Be an emerging spoken word poet who performs (this can be at open mics).
- They believe ‘emerging’ can happen at any age, you just need to be 18 years old or over (for safeguarding reasons) and be sharing poetry for under five years.
- Be a poet who wants to develop their practice and add another string to their bow with visual skills
- Have a desire to make new networks.
- Be committed to the programme, be available for masterclasses and have time to produce a short film .
- Have access to a recording device (a smartphone phone is fine)
- Have access to WiFi and a computer.
Key Dates
Application process
- Applications open – Monday 17th July 2023.
- Applications close – 10am Monday 7th August 2023.
- Applicants notified on their status – within three weeks of the closing date.
- Cohort announcement /Apples and Snakes 41st anniversary – Monday 2nd October 2023.
Programme dates
- Induction event online – 9th October 2023
- Masterclasses will run once per week from week beginning October 9th until week beginning November 27th. These will most likely be on Mondays and/or Tuesday evenings around 6.30-8pm. This will be confirmed shortly but do get in touch if unsure.
- Work on finishing the films – December 2023 – mid January 2024.
- Celebration event at your local partner organsation’s hub – February 2024, final date TBC.
- Online symposium – 28th February 2024.
How to apply
Apply online using this application form: apply online. Applications close on Mon 7 Aug 10:00 am.
You will be asked to include a 2 min video of yourself and answer some questions on why you would like to join. This is not a C.V – it’s a way for us to get to know you and if this programme is suitable.
Please do not send in applications via email or on socials, they will only consider applications through the link above.
Any questions, please email grace@applesandsnakes.org
Apples and Snakes is committed to combating ableism and providing access for everybody. If you are offered a place on the programme, they will send you an access rider to fill out and sign. You can leave it blank if you wish. This will be communicated with the facilitator and access arrangements will be confirmed on the rider, so both parties have a signed record of access needs and agreements.
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