As well as founding the prize, Bruntwood are long-standing supporters of the arts and cultural sector. Most recently, they have partnered with local artist Tracey Gibbs on a fantastically exciting piece which will come to life in Manchester’s City Centre early 2021. They are delighted to share this opportunity for emerging writers in the Bruntwood Prize community to get involved in the project. 

HOYO is an R&D project happening January/February 2021 with lead artist Tracey Gibbs, a small but perfectly formed team of creatives and specialists are coming together to re-create something that for many 2020 has taken away from them. Focusing on two groups living alone during lockdown and beyond, they will be gathering their stories and moments around receiving and giving a hug, one of the most wonderful things we can give and receive. It’s power to both bond and heal are well known, for many during this tough year the lack of touch and contact has being huge, leading us to have new terms to describe this such as ‘skin hunger’.

These stories and memories will form the basis for the piece where two puppets will enact the short 10min scripted work, which will be transported into the realm of VR and experienced by the viewers via a haptic shawl/scarf. HOYO are working towards a sharing and possible future expansion of the concept and story to become COVID permitting a mixed platform of both live and virtual.

Tracey Gibbs is looking for someone to join her in gathering the stories and helping form the path and structure and ultimate experience of the hugs we learn about. This would involve attending six one hour group zooms with participants, working with me to create the story timeline.

The fee is £700 (apologies, an earlier version of this call out had a typo in the fee) 

A gentle open approach is the key word for this role, if this sounds like something you would like to be part of the HOYO journey. Please send an expression of interest and links to any projects you have to info@traceygibbs.co.uk.

Closing Date 30/12/20