‘Earth and Song’ is a community development project implemented by the Institute for Contemporary Art (ICA Yerevan) in Vardablur village (Lori province, Armenia). The project aims to revitalise community life through artistic activities rooted in the cultural tradition of the village: the craft of pottery, and the musical heritage of Komitas. The project was piloted in 2021 with the support of the German Federal Foreign Office International Relief Fund. As a result, twelve young villagers were trained by prominent ceramicists and made in situ artistic interventions, like installing ceramic mailboxes and replacing missing roof tiles with decorative tiles they created. A community choir performing Komitas’ heritage was also formed and trained by an invited conductor. To foster this process of transformation through art, ICA is implementing a fully funded art residency programme in Vardablur for ceramic artists to create, learn, research, and share experiences within this authentic creative hub.
The residency will consist of two months of intensive artistic exchange: 1-2 weeks in Yerevan, comprising an orientation meeting and an introduction to the Armenian art scene, followed by 6-7 weeks of creative work in a fully equipped ceramic studio in Vardablur. A final project will be implemented in the Vardablur community, and possibly at ICA’s premises in Yerevan. ICA provides a flexible framework and mentorship, while not limiting the artistic process. An essential part of the art residency is the cooperation with the local pottery artists and students for workshops (at least 2), and implementation of small-scale joint projects (at least 1), such as public art installations or exhibitions.
Applicants are required to have relevant training and experience in the field of pottery/ceramics, as well as experience of working in community art projects. Applicants must also be legally residing in one of the 40 Creative Europe countries, except Armenia.
The organisers provide a travel allowance of €350 or €700 (depending on the distance), a daily stipend of 25€, and accommodation, as well as studio facilities.
