The theme for the Compositions for Actions Open Call 2024 was artistic and socially focused projects that address the democratisation and participatory aspects of performing arts and/or contemporary arts as well as to support Finnish and Finland-based professional artists and artist groups and their international collaborators to perform arts and/or contemporary arts that address the topics of equality, diversity and inclusion.
After careful consideration, the two selected projects for 2024 are Dormancy, Reseeding, Resistance by Anastasia (A) Khodyreva and lipsync serenades for soft occasions by Tze Yeung Ho, Kholod Hawash and Josh Spear from the pool of 39 great submissions.
Curator Lily Hall was invited to the selection panel for this open call. On behalf of the Finnish Institute in the UK and Ireland, Nimco Kulmiye Hussein participated in the panel.
‘The selection process was incredibly thought-provoking, and it felt like we were navigating a sea of new thoughts, concepts and practices, with each proposal shining brightly in its own right. With our external advisor and curator, Lily Hall, we uncovered two projects that really spoke to us – contemporary, vibrant and compelling. We believe these two projects will enhance our existing programme with depth, diversity and critical artistic narrative,’ says Nimco Kulmiye Hussein, Programme Director of Society (Parental Leave Cover)
Our decisions were informed by extensive discussions, during which the following criteria were emphasised:
Artistic and socially focused projects that explore the democratisation and participatory nature of performing arts and/or contemporary arts.
Projects that demonstrate a commitment to addressing or integrating all aspects of access, equality, diversity, and inclusion within their artistic processes.
Strong existing partnerships in the UK or Ireland and a genuine interest in international mobility and collaboration.
Feasible schedules and well-constructed budgets.
We deeply appreciate all the project proposals we received and would like to extend our gratitude for sharing your work with us through the open call. We understand the dedication and effort involved in preparing a submission, and we are truly grateful for everyone’s participation.
Image on the left: Textile work (detail), ‘The Altersea Opera’, Nordic Pavilion, Venice, 2024 © Kholod Hawash (Image credit: My Matson and Moderna Museet).
Image on the right: Sara Blosseville. Documentation of ‘blink blink, says the right eye when I slap my own cheek’ exhibition by Lisa Lepistö.
