LISTENING TO RURAL YOUTH
Open call for artist residencies in rural-based sound and media arts

Deadline for applications: 31 October 2024

Until half a century ago, being a child or young person in the Portuguese rural world meant being part of a process of development towards adulthood that would begin at an early age and would include a whole series of practical apprenticeships linked to agriculture, livestock breeding, domestic life, craft trades, knowledge of the landscape, etc. At the same time, young people developed their sociability in a context of strict observance of moral codes shared by the community, which did not allow for major deviations from the norm. Nevertheless, this sociability was developed through participation in a dense body of traditions stemming from previous generations: rites of passage, games, dances, songs, etc., which provided undeniable senses of belonging and inclusion in the community.

The social transformation of the last few decades has profoundly shaken the development model of young people born in rural villages, and after the end of their mandatory schooling, the most common alternatives today are either going to university or emigrating to ‘rich’ countries like Switzerland, Luxembourg or Germany. Few young people stay where they were born and those who do end up having an interesting range of work and entrepreneurial opportunities at their disposal, in the fields of forestry, manual trades, social support and tourism.

A third relevant aspect related to youth and rurality concerns the potential positive experiences that natural and agricultural landscapes can provide for young urban residents, particularly in the context of the current rise in levels of social isolation, depression and other psychosocial problems, often amplified by pressure from social networks. Several studies carried out by different EU countries, the OECD and even UNICEF tell us that the COVID-19 pandemic has had a particularly adverse impact on young people and children, significantly worsening their mental health. In fact, according to the OECD and European Union report (2022), Health at a Glance: Europe 2022: State of Health in the EU Cycle, many countries have seen a doubling in the number of cases of depression among children and young people across Europe, with suicide being the leading cause of death among them.

With this contextualisation, it is easy to grasp the immensity of aspects that could be explored by the artistic projects presented in the context of this open call, such as:

– Old memories of childhood and youth experiences;
– Forms of recreational sociability, in the past and today;
– Rural youth and social difference;
– Rural youth and their relationship with craft knowledge;
– The experience of urban youth in rural settings;
– Rural landscapes and the development of young people’s self-esteem.
– Etc.

As part of its 19th and 20th annual artist residencies programmes in sound and media arts, Binaural Nodar will be hosting artistic projects that can address and express themes related to youth in rural contexts.

Applications for artist residencies to be held in 2025 and 2026 will be accepted if they are sent by 31 October 2024 via email to info@binauralmedia.org and include:

⁃ A project detailing the chosen theme, work methodology and type of artistic intervention in the fields of sound art, possibly associated with visual arts, media and performance.

⁃ A brief biography and a detailed curriculum vitae

⁃ Links to examples of previous artistic works.

The artist residencies will take place in four alternative periods, in the spring and autumn of 2025 and 2026, and will last two weeks. The organisation will cover the costs of accommodation, meals and travel in the region, as well as paying each selected project an artist fee of 500 euros (gross amount).

Note: Since 2006, Binaural Nodar’s artist residencies have been ‘child and youth friendly’, so it is possible to receive applications that envisage staying with a son or daughter (of any age), and projects that envisage the active participation of children/youths in the creative process itself are also welcome.

Any questions about this call for proposals can be sent by email to luis.costa@binauralmedia.org.