Context: Selina Thompson Ltd turns 10 this year and we want to celebrate a decade of art making, writing, being at stuff and our obsession with Birmingham. To do this we are hosting a party! Food! Booze! Bouncy Castles! Party Bags! And of course – performance.

The Party: The party will take place on Friday 11th September, at The Edge, Birmingham. There will be a small stage, some basic tech including access to a project, simple lighting and a sound system. There are also smaller spaces and an outdoor courtyard. Pre-visits can be arranged if useful for artists, but they are not expected. The party will take place from early evening, the STL will plan the programme responsively to the commissioned works. Commissioned artists will be expected to stay for the duration of the event. 

Task: To make a ‘party piece’ that responds to one of the following five works from the Selina Thompson archive:

• Chewing the Fat (further materials also here)
• Dark and Lovely (further materials also here)
• Race Cards (further materials also here)
• Salt (further materials also here)
• Pat It and Prick It and Mark It with ‘B’ (further materials also here)

When we say a party piece, we either mean: 

• a short performance piece, no longer than 20 (?) minutes, that can be performed in a cabaret-esque set up. Can have a cabaret vibe, but doesn’t have to.
• an installation that people can leave the main party to ‘do’ or ‘experience’
• a durational performance or experience that lasts the length of the party
• Something else you come up with that impresses us so much that we make an allowance for you.

Some parameters: 

• The work must be original
• It’s gotta do more than mimic/perform the piece it is inspired by
• We will cover you travel expenses and accommodation for one night up to £250
• The fee is £1000 with an additional £250 for materials
• We will provide access support as needed for you to make your work