Current Projects (2024-25)

(M)others on tour

The project was initiated by artist Renata Piotrowska-Auffret and it is dedicated to artists who have parenting and caring responsibilities in their lives. All the artists involved are mothers-parents and all the shows were inspired by their experiences of becoming and being a (m)other. A key objective is to increase consciousness of the systemic problems related to parenthood in the performing arts sector connected to women’s rights and labour rights for artistic workers.

The project includes touring of one performance: ‘Bliss’, a solo performance about the experience of giving birth by Ramona Nagabczyńska from Poland; and the touring concept ‘CODOMESTICATION’, by Kroot Juurak & Alex Bailey from Estonia/Austria, performed by two parents and their child. Having a touring concept in the proposal follows the ideology of ‘showing without going’ – the concept was created by artists in one place but will be transmitted via online workshops and shown by local artists in another place. Through hybrid talks and online training, the ‘Motherhood in art labour’ project provides an opportunity for (m)other artists and (m)other cultural workers to take part without leaving their country and families.

Perform Europe Grant

EUR 60,000

Partners

Ośrodek Kultury Ochoty

Poland

City of Women, Association for the Promotion of Women in Culture

Slovenia

BIRCA

Denmark

Station Service for Contemporary Dance

Serbia

Lavanderia a Vapore

Italy

Lokomotiva - Centre for New Initiatives in Arts and Culture

North Macedonia

Artistic Works

Bliss

Producers: Ramona Nagabczyńska

text

The central theme of ‘Bliss’ is the state of pregnancy as an intensified ‘inner self-sensation’. The artist notices that being pregnant transcends the singularity of experience and undermines all forms of subjectivity ingrained in our culture. Although the medicalisation of this sphere gives the illusion of control, this condition escapes the systemic order, represents the unknown, and evokes anxiety. Ramona Nagabczynska’s choreography explores the state of permanent metamorphosis and reveals the dismay caused by women’s reproductive power. In doing so, she draws on both ancient myths and contemporary horror films.

CODOMESTICATION

Producers: Kroot Juurak & Alex Bailey

text

In March 2019, Krõõt Juurak & Alex Bailey’s ‘family performance’ ‘CODOMESTICATION’ had its premiere at Tanzquartier Wien. Back then, they invited the audience to watch the interactions between themselves and their then one-year old son Albert – who took part not only as a performer but also as co-director – in a performative live setting. Two years and a pandemic later, Alex and Krõõt have transitioned from a nuclear to a co-parenting family, yet the central focus of ‘CODOMESTICATION’ is still gender-political issues that come up while raising a child. Co-living and collaborating with a toddler can be challenging and sometimes even infuriating, grownups may well have to give up some – if not all – of their personal wishes and artistic ideals to make this work possible.