Call For Proposals: African Stones Talk, 2011 International Stone Sculpture Symposium

Kenya Wed 13-04-2011

Call For Proposals: African Stones Talk, 2011 International Stone Sculpture Symposium
By a Correspondent

Introduction:

In its efforts to implement Convention 2005 on the protection and promotion Diversity of Cultural Expressions, UNESCO has provided funds that will, in part, assist Design Power Consultants (DEPCONS), a community based creative arts consultancy, to work with the Kisii soapstone carvers in Kisii County, Kenya.

The initiative and funding (lFCD) will enable DEPCONS to bring together internationally renowned artists from different countries and cultural backgrounds for one month of intensive exchange of cultural expressions with local soapstone carvers through annual sculpture symposia in Tabaka Village, Kisii County, Kenya. The program will introduce new technologies, tools and expression of diverse cultural values.

Gerard Motondi at work work

^{Kenyan sculptor, Gerard Motondi at work on one of his sculptures}

Cultural Conference:

Prior to the practical artistic activities of carving Kenyan rocks in Kisii, there will be a three-days’ Pre-Symposium Cultural Conference at Kisii University College campus to deliberate on the role of cultural industries in Kenya, and the place of art teaching/learning in Kenyan educational institutions. Invited national, regional international scholars and cultural practioners will address pertinent policy and technical concerns that have created a miserable gap in the protection and promotion of cultural values through formal education, and linking the same to socio-economic development.

Tourism:

Visiting artists will participate in the Pre-Symposium program before embarking on the artistic activities in Tabaka for the rest of the month of August.

They will work closely with traditional artisans in the soapstone carvers’ village of Tabaka in Gucha South District. Three weekend vists to ancient rock art sites in Kisii, and to tourist sites are planned for participants, courtesy of supportive Kenyan corporate partners. The public (including school parties) will be allowed interactions with participants during scheduled cultural evenings.

Raw Materials:

The sculptors will use locally available soapstone, basalt, granite and sand stones already on site, courtesy of M/s MM Services Ltd. and the G.K. Ministry of Roads. Sculptors will make their own choices of raw materials to produce sculptures which will then be displayed for public viewing in various venues in Kenya.

The first lot of pieces produced will be loaned to the National Museums of Kenya for one year public display at the Uhuru Gardens along Langata Road in Nairobi, after which they will be returned for permanent display and preservation in Kisii County

If any of the pieces will be sold during the first year of public viewing, the proceeds will be shared at the rate of 40/60 percent between the producer artist and the Organizing Committee. That is one way in which the Committee will raise funds for sustainability of the program.

CALL FOR PROPOSALS:

We are therefore calling for applications for the 2011 stone sculpture symposium with the following terms and
conditions:

Theme of the 2011 Symposium, Disciplines & Media
a. Theme: “Communication in Stone”, hence the title of the symposium series “African Stones Talk”. The
discipline is art, and the media is stone sculpture.

b. Subject: Open for interpretation by individual artists. A five-member jury will assess the proposals submitted by
applicants and then advise the Organizing Committee to invite the winners.

c. Venue: African Stone Art Center, Tabaka Town, Kisii County, Kenya.

d. Dates: The Pre-symposium Conference starts on August 1—3, followed by sculpture program from 5th— 31st
August.

e. Responsibilities: The Fund will cater for:

Small fee for overseas invited sculptors, US$1000 .
Allowance for the national and regional sculptors.
Stipend for the trainee assistants.
Bed and breakfast accommodation in local institution or selected homes. Hotel accommodation is optional and
paid for by responsible individual participants. Committee will provide transport to/from hotels
Tented/shaded or Open-air Studio space as per individual need.
Packed lunches and group dinners.
Transport to/from JK International Airport.
Arranged local transport/travel and tours to centers of cultural and touristic interest.
Materials (stones of about 1m.x1m. irregulary shaped ) for the approved sculpture proposals.

Some sculpture tools and equipment for lifting the heavy rocks. Participants are advised to bring their own
specialized tools. Power available is 220/240 v. No pneumatic (compressor) facilities available yet, but in case
acquired later, participants will be advised to bring relevant tools.

Criteria for selection: Interested artists will meet the following conditions for selection of participants:

Apply online, or may download the 2011 AST Symposium official application form: AST2011/APP/1 from the internet, fill it, scan after signing, then send by E-mail before mid-day Friday, April 29th to:

Mr. Gerard O. Motondi,
Program Coordinator,
African Stones Talk:
2011 International Stone Sculpture Symposium
P.O. Box 3240-40200
KISII, Kenya.
Tel: +254 722948166
Email: astsymposium@gmail.com

ii. Preliminary individual proposal of project to be undertaken during the Symposium.
iii. Curriculum Vitae (maximum 2 pages A4), include information on previous symposia attended, exhibitions
held, public sculpture projects undertaken. Only national and regional (East African) artists may be allowed
to participate in AST as the first international symposium ever attended.
iv. Max 10 images of previous works; those from previous symposia attended will be an added advantage.
v. Links to video/dvd work and/or artist’s websites
vi. All documents are to be merged into a single pdf file (not exceeding 5 MB).
vii. Application documents submitted to AST are not returnable.

Application deadline:

Friday,29th April 2011. Late applications won’t be considered. Applications are to be sent to:
astsymposium@gmail.com. Successful applicants will be notified by Mid May 2011.

Insurance Cover: All the selected sculptors must submit proof of current medical insurance cover and against
accidents before travelling to Kenya and participation in the 2011 Sculpture Symposium. Group insurance cover is
being organized for the local artisans, assistants and trainees participating in AST Symposium. They will, however,
meet the appropriate cost for the cover which is not too much.

For more information on application contact:

Program Coordinator,
African Stones Talk:
2011International Stone Sculpture Symposium
P.O. Box 3240-40200,
KISII, Kenya.
Tel: +254 722948166
Email: astsymposium@gmail.com
www.globalafricanarts.com/depcons

Posted By: Maggie Otieno

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Your Comments

margaretta wa gacheru: I am thrilled that the sculpture symposium is about to take place! This was Elkana Ong'esa's vision from way back, so it is exciting that his vision is bearing fruit. This is the kind of event that must put East African sculpture on the global art map! Thanks African Colours for highlighting this important upcoming event!

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