Creative Residency – from concept to experiment
Creative residency is what we’ve been developing and continuously experimenting within this project. It combines artist exchange and short-term residency. Cohorts from both sides reciprocally plan two-week residency programs in their respective countries and cities. The itinerary includes networking with dance artists and educators, visiting venues and organizations, attending performance programs, and engaging in various culinary, cultural, and travel experiences. In a way, it’s like jointly acting as cultural guides for each other. Through the collective eyes and senses on the cohorts, inviting the other party to immerse in the cultural and dance scenes of Taiwan and Canada/Toronto.
Creative residency, originated from TTLink, has two important pillars. First, the willingness and commitment of the project participants over a relatively long period. Over the course of three years of online exchanges from 2020 to 2022, the participants from Taiwan, whose native language is not English, demonstrated the willingness to share themselves and to understand the state of Canada through a second language (although English is commonly used in international communication, it shouldn’t be taken for granted). Similarly, the participants from Canada were willing to hear and learn about different cultural contexts and circumstances beyond their accustomed English, demonstrating a willingness to engage in long-term exchanges. Through gradual cultivation of time, a considerable level of understanding and trust emerged between the two sides, enabling them to plan itineraries for each other and entrust themselves to the other party. Secondly, the experiences and energies of the project participants (artists and producers) themselves are also crucial. Andrea has extensive collaborations with various dance companies and communities in different fields such as dance, music, indigenous communities, and film. Heidi’ has collaboration with venues, organizations and has been active in university programs. Michael has curated multiple arts festivals as an independent individual. With the network and connections formed by these three individuals, the two-week itinerary in Toronto included visits to more than 20 dance and indigenous-related venue arts festivals, meetings with nearly 50 relevant professionals, attending more than 20 indoor and outdoor performances, and visiting the town of Orillia. Typical outdoor activities in Canada such as canoeing, lake-swimming, forest walking, and BBQ in the park highlighted the trip.
The itinerary for the Taiwan leg was planned according to geographical areas and personal connections, with each team member assigned specific tasks. Wu-Kang as the curator of the We Island Dance Festival and artist-in-residence at the National Taichung Theater, also due to his background in dance since childhood, has connections with dance schools/institutes and teachers. The company led by Pin-Wen is the resident team at the Chiayi Performing Arts Center, where they continuously promote dance in Chiayi and collaborate with other local companies. Pin-wen is as well collaborating with curators focusing on gender issues and identity. Fanags, with a background in both dance and theater, was the one responsible for introducing indigenous culture, groups and tribes. Wen as a producer, is well-connected with relevant various venues and also assisted in connecting with dance companies. The overall itinerary made full use of Taiwan’s high-speed rail and convenient transportation, allowing for intensive visits to five cities, over 20 venues and institutions, and meetings with over 50 professionals and creators. There were performances to attend, workshops to teach, and the three Canadian artists performed at the We Islands Dance Festival as an unforgettable ending. Accommodation and transportation were organised jointly by the Taiwan cohorts. And of course, delicious Taiwanese food is a must in everyday’s schedule. Such an intensive and rich itinerary and connections required collaborative efforts from all four participants from Taiwan,, as well as on-site companionship and connections at each point visited during the two weeks, to complete the densely packed itinerary within fourteen days.
Artistic residencies are great opportunities for young artists in many ways. However as artists get into different phases of life or career, such as marriage and parenthood, the format of residency might not apply due to time and financial reasons. But artists, and producers, at different stages of their careers still have the needs for short-term research and networking. Creative residency, in this context, can serve as the new tool for artists/producers who are more matured and experienced. With the collaboration of local cohorts with matching experiences and networks, it becomes possible to efficiently and effectively for creative research, building networks with key persons, solidifying collaboration opportunities, and integrating and developing resources.