OPENLab 2014 will take place over 10 days from 18 July – 27 July 2014 at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein alongside the Vryfees festival. It will also involve a weeklong studio held at Map (Modern art projects) – South Africa, Richmond in the Northern Cape.

Up to 15 Artists from across South Africa will participate in the Lab, lead by national and international facilitators. The opportunity is open to creative practitioners working in the visual arts, performance, architecture, fashion, dance, new media, sound art, design, community arts and other creative pursuits.

Participating artists will explore new approaches to site based practices working across different communities, disciplines and geographical contexts. The emphasis is on participation, critical thinking, discussion and the creation of new ideas.

OPENLab is a place for free experimentation and open dialogue. It is a nurturing, supportive and responsive space for artists and facilitators to share, exchange and challenge each other.

Facilitators
Paul Gazzola (AUS, Interdisciplinary Artist & Curator), Techa Noble (AUS, Designer & Artist), Jay Pather (SA, Artist, Curator & Educator)

Guest Facilitators
Godfrey Manenye (SA, Performer & Choreographer), Phillipa Tumubeinee (SA, Architect & Designer), Nadia Cusimano (AUS, Performer & Dramaturge)

International Speakers
Bec Dean (AUS, Curator & Writer), Lee-Ann Buckskin (AUS, Artist & Educator)

Activities include
Exploring spaces for performance and installation; interdisciplinary collaboration; concept development; audience interactivity and intercultural dialogue. OPENLab is an investment in future thinking, creative networks and professional development.

Applications open: Monday 14 April 2014 (4 wks only).

Applications due: Midnight, Monday 5 May 2014.

For more information and to download an application please visit: www.OPENLab-southafrica.co.za or contact: OPENLab, Angela de Jesus, Curator Johannes Stegmann Art Gallery, University of the Free State, Bloemfontein. T: (051) 401-2706 E: dejesusav@ufs.ac.za

www.openlab-southafrica.co.za