performing for peers – publika (post)pandemischer berufseinsteiger*innen

"performing for peers" asks important questions with honest curiosity. As the concept of "peers" continues in our careers, sharing is crucial for us.

The 2-part lab "performing for peers – audiences of (post)pandemic emerging professionals" brings together twelve artists who entered their profession in the independent performing arts between 2019 – 2022. The lab focuses on the impeded entry into the profession – not only due to the pandemic itself but also cultural policy dynamics: During pandemic-related closures and audience restrictions, production houses favored supporting established artists in reaching (post)pandemic audiences, especially in the form of residencies and funding. Thus, in the face of closed spaces and unfulfillable funding guidelines, newcomers to the profession had to establish their own shelters and strategies. Their needs were later also recognized in the funding landscape and supported, for example, with the 'Absolvent*innen Residenzförderung'.

Working with early career artists as experts, "performing for peers" asks the questions: Between 2019 – 2022, did early career artists predominantly produce with and for each other? How can the potential safer spaces among peers grow into wider-reading support structures? How can emerging artists post-pandemically extend their audiences to younger and older individuals?

Nora Tormann & Lonnie Jasper (Curation & Organization), Artists & Experts: Ariana Emminghaus (Writer & Performer), Alica Minar (Choreographer & Performer), Jäckie Rydz (Performance Artist), Kysy Fischer (Choreographer & Director of ABA NAIA), Natasha Borenko (fluid* Theater Maker), Pamela Moraga (Dancer & Choreographer), Sharon Nogales (Choreographer & Dancer), Tasha Hess-Neustadt (Dance Artist & Choreographer), Yurika Yamamoto (Performer & Dance Maker), Yvonne Sembene (Choreographer, Dancer, & Critical Collaborator), Team: Anna Malena Große (Video & Editing), Hans Könnecke (Music), Sandra Steier (Sign Language Interpreter), Soroa Lear (Proofreading), Alicja Hoppel (Photo Documentation) & Lena Gerbert (Graphics).

(All lab participants entered their respective professions between 2019 – 2022).

Lab 1 "peer audience: schutzraum?": PACT - Zollverein, Essen
Lab 2 "peer publikum? bye bubble": Thinking and production site Libken, Gerswalde