Festival in My House is returning later this year for a new series of online-only events – and they’re looking for new ideas from Greater Manchester artists to feature on the programme.

In April, the COVID-19 lockdown sent the strand online. The first streaming-only series of Festival in My House… And Yours saw voguing parties, poetry performances and disco cookouts beamed directly from artists’ homes to audiences’ screens.

MIF’s specially selected community panel is now on the lookout for Greater Manchester artists to develop new ideas for the next series of all-digital, lockdown-friendly Festivals in My House… And Yours, which will be bigger and more ambitious than ever.

The next series of Festival in My House… And Yours will be loosely themed around the idea of connection. They are looking for new ideas that pioneer ways in which artists can connect with their communities – whether as audience members or as creative collaborators. Your festival might focus on specific themes or ideas that resonate with your intended audience, or it might find new ways for them to get involved in advance or on the day.

When you’re developing your idea, consider such elements as how you might use the different rooms in your home and the objects within it. Think about how different artforms or elements might play a part. Consider how live performances could mix with pre-recorded elements. And in common with previous Festivals in My House, think about how your idea could connect the local with the international – bringing you and your community together with the wider world.

Criteria

• artists working in any genre and any style.
• you must be resident of Greater Manchester.
• they’re particularly interested in hearing from artists from or working within Black, Asian and ethnically diverse communities, and from deaf or disabled artists.
• If your idea is chosen for production you’ll be given a budget of up to £1,800 to cover the costs of making it happen. Our team will work with you to agree the best ways to spend it.
• The MIF team will help you to develop your idea into the best possible online event, with specialist talent-development support in production, broadcast and marketing. You’ll also get constructive feedback on your work, both during and after the broadcast, from industry experts and audiences.

Deadline

8 October 2020.

Key dates

Wednesday 23 September (6-7pm): Information session on Zoom – email creativeengagement@mif.co.uk for a free invitation

Thursday 8 October: Applications close

Friday 16 October: Shortlisted artists notified by email

Wednesday 21 & Thursday 22 October (evening): Shortlisted artists to present detailed pitches

Friday 30 October: Final selection of artists/ideas for production

Saturday 7 & 14 November (10am-1pm): Artist development sessions for selected artists

https://mif.co.uk/my-festival/festival-in-my-house/festival-in-my-house-and-yours/

Image credit: Tarnish Vision