The Spraoi N.E.S.T. (New Emerging Street Talent) programme aims to mentor and assist Irish street artists to develop new works. It is presented in association with ISACS. N.E.S.T. does not aim to originate new works, but rather to assist and advance work-in-progress projects to public performance level. Typically this will involve a two weeks of residencies at Spraoi Studios, Waterford, during the development cycle.
In 2022 a new dimension was added to the existing N.E.S.T. process. Spraoi Festival has joined with Green Man Festival (Wales), Out There Festival (England) and SURGE Festival (Scotland) to create the Four Nations artists’ exchange programme. Irish artists participating in N.E.S.T. 2023 will perform at all four festivals.
N.E.S.T. Applications 2023:
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival 2023 extends an open-call to Irish street artists who are working on new shows and performances. If you think your work would benefit from access to professional mentoring, rehearsal and development space, finance and international performance opportunities N.E.S.T. may well be the programme for you.
We are seeking proposals to be submitted no later than November 12th, 2022.
Tell us:
- About yourself (or yourselves) and your previous work.
- About your idea/show/performance and its current stage of development.
- About how your project would benefit at this time from involvement in the N.E.S.T and Four Nations development and showcasing programmes.
Submit your proposal to: nest@spraoi.com
Programme Timeline:
November 12th, 2022 – Deadline for applications
November 21st, 2022 – Shortlisted artists interviews (Zoom)
Selected artists will be contacted in early December.
January 22nd – 26th, 2023 – Residency at Argyll, Scotland, (1 x mentor from each partnering festival will attend – you will need to be available for this.)
N.E.S.T. residency at Spraoi Studios, Waterford, sometime between April/July, dates TBC with selected artists.
SURGE Festival: July 28/29/30, 2023.
Spraoi International Street Arts Festival: August 4/5/6, 2023.
Green Man Festival: August 17/18/19/20, 2023.
Out There Festival: September 15/16/17, 2023.
(Actual performance dates TBC within these schedules.)
Frequently Asked Questions:
How many artists may be involved in each project of application?
This depends a little on the nature of applications received. N.E.S.T. is most likely to select teams ranging from one to three artists, depending on their resource needs.
What practical supports will N.E.S.T. and Four Nations offer?
Each artist involved in Four Nations January (Scotland) mentoring residency and subsequent performances, including travel days, at all four festivals will be paid a day-rate of €120. Accommodation, travel, flights will also be provided. The fees of professional mentors working with artists will also be covered.
Will artists know details of the support package in advance?
Yes, following selection of artists for N.E.S.T./Four nations Spraoi will provide precise details of funding and resources available for each individual element of the project. An outline of available resources for the Four Nations segment is provided above. For the two-week N.E.S.T. residency at Spraoi Studios each artist will have a budget of €2,000, plus accommodation. If prop-making at Spraoi Studios becomes part of the process materials and related costs may also be included depending on requirements.
Spraoi will also provide bespoke mentoring during the residency.
What will be the nature of mentoring provided at Spraoi Studios be?
Generally an experienced performance and/or street arts practitioner is contracted to work closely with participating artists to develop and mentor their work. While Spraoi takes a lead-role in determining skills required for this role, participating artists will be actively consulted so that the mentors involved are a good fit for artists and Spraoi.
What style of work is suitable?
The N.E.S.T. programme aims to support work(s) that really connects with and engages audiences in street and outdoor settings. There is an openness to all ideas and it is likely that selected shows/concepts will display practical approaches as to how audience engagement will be achieved. One other consideration; the amount of ‘kit’ required to perform work should be balanced against transportation costs to partner festivals, i.e. compact and mobile is desirable. Queries: info@spraoi.com
