Title Motion capture with your webcam

Title Motion Capture With Your Webcam

Dance with a virtual body through your webcam and the RADiCAL AI-powered motion capture software.

Designed with contemporary artists and dancers in mind; the workshop will begin with an overview of motion capture techniques available today. The virtual hands-on component of the workshop will explore RADiCAL, an AI-powered motion capture tool, to generate data files from web camera recordings and apply the data to animate readymade avatars or 3D objects in Unity (free software). Workshop open to all skill levels, no previous experience is necessary.

Date: January 25, 2021

Time: 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm CST

Cost: FREE

Limit: 100

To register for the workshop, please click HERE.

Note about RADiCAL software: https://getrad.co/core-free-trial/ for free you can use the trail for a month which automatically converts into a monthly plan (when you download your files). So participants will need to unsubscribe after the workshop if they don’t want to keep their access to the application. The time length recording limit is a one-minute long video exported per week.

Instructor(s): Freya Björg Olafson

About Freya:

Freya Björg Olafson is an intermedia artist who works with video, audio, animation, motion capture, XR, painting, and performance. Olafson’s work has been exhibited and performed internationally at the Bauhaus Archiv (Berlin), SECCA – SouthEastern Center for Contemporary Art (North Carolina), and the LUDWIG museum (Budapest). Olafson has benefitted from residencies, most notably through EMPAC – Experimental Media & Performing Arts Center (New York), and Counterpulse (San Francisco). Olafson holds an MFA in New Media from the Transart Institute / Danube University and joined the Dance Department at York University as an Assistant Professor in screendance in July 2017.

This YLDE workshop is in collaboration with Video Pool Media Arts Centre. Video Pool Media Arts Centre is Manitoba’s only artist-run centre dedicated to the exploration of technology-based art.

YLDE’s programming is made possible with the generous support from the Winnipeg Arts Council, Manitoba Arts Council, and Canada Council for the Arts.

YLDE Annual Report 2019/20

Thank you to everyone who attended the 2019/20 Annual General Meeting!

To view the latest Annual Report, please click the link below.

2019_20-YLDE-Annual-Report Download

Research Series Coordinator Opportunity

We’re Hiring!

Title: Research Series Coordinator (3 month contract)

Wage: $26/hr

Starting Contract: $1,560.00

Timeline: January 1st – March 31st, 2021 (averaging 20 hrs/month)

DESCRIPTION

Young Lungs Dance Exchange is a not-for-profit artist-run support organization committed to the development, creation and presentation of contemporary dance and performance on Treaty 1 Territory, Winnipeg, MB.

YLDE’s Research Series is designed to support the creative processes of artists from all disciplines engaging in dance and/or movement-based research, by providing resources such as artists fees, rehearsal space, and public presentation opportunities. The purpose of the residency is to allow for in-depth research, critical thinking, risk-taking, professional development, skill enhancement, and an exchange of ideas. YLDE is committed to nurturing the beginnings of the creative process with this Artist-In-Residency program.

We’re looking for a Research Series Coordinator to manage all aspects of the 2021 Research Series. The ideal candidate will share with us a love for dance and the belief that dance should hold a vital and valued place in society. As well, they will have an excitement for the creative process, project planning, and engaging with people.

RESPONSIBILITIES of YLDE’s RESEARCH SERIES COORDINATOR

Administration

Report to Managing Artistic Director
Collect all necessary materials from all Research Series participants to promote the Research Series (Ex. Headshots, bios, etc)
Liaise with contractors (Marketing & Communications Director, Research Series Tech Support, etc.)
Liaise with selected artists to ensure all needs are being met, including technical support for virtual based projects and activities
Collect photo consent from participants and the public at events
Liaise with, and maintain positive relations to all those connected to YLDE (contractors, artists, funders, partners, stakeholders, etc.)
Work within and maintain Research Series budget
Maintain an organized filing system for all Research Series related documents
Monitor and respond to emails
Monitor work hours, budgeting time appropriately for work dense periods

Operations

Oversee all Research Series activity
Secure appropriate studio space/venues, and work with the online platform ‘Zoom’
Working with Research Series Technical Support, ensure all technical needs are being met for virtual based activities
Working with Marketing & Communications Director, ensure all promotional material is being sent out in a timely and effective manner
Ensure all necessary accessibility needs are being met
Respond appropriately to evolving MB COVID-19 protocols
Create rehearsal schedules for all participating artists in the Research Series as needed
Administer contracts at the direction of Managing Artistic Director
Organize and schedule public showings, and workshops
Hire, and ensure proper documentation is taken for all Research Series event
Work with EventBrite and organize registration for virtual events
Coordinate volunteers and event staff needed for public activities
Keep track of numbers, significant learnings/events, and write a final report summarizing the 2021 Research Series

QUALIFICATIONS for YLDE’s RESEARCH SERIES COORDINATOR

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual)
Strong independent work ethic, and excellent organizational skills
Strong project management skills, ability to handle projects end-to-end
Must be highly adaptable and able to work collaboratively
Must have a love for communicating with people, and deep respect for art
Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to attend events
Must have an understanding of the online platform ‘Zoom’
Must have access to wifi, work space, and a working computer

Experience

Must have experience in event planning and coordination
Experience working in dance, performance, and/or the arts is an asset
Experience working in the non-profit sector is an asset
Must have expertise in the areas of correspondence, time-management, budget keeping, and scheduling

Our Board of directors, Natasha Torres-Garner, Johanna Riley, Ali Robson, Alex Ramos, Jill Groening, Susie Burpee, Trevor Pick, Kayla Jeanson, and Hillarie Tasche, welcomes all humans to participate in YLDE activities, and strives to work on/with accessible platforms, and in physically accessible studios and venues. YLDE has a zero tolerance policy for any racial discrimination, transphobia, gender discrimination, misogyny, bullying, or sexual harassment. YLDE strives to be a safer space for everyone.

YLDE is committed to the principle of equitable access to employment, and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. We encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter.

If you are interested and qualified for this exciting opportunity, please submit a cover letter and resume by end of day, Tuesday, December 8th, 2020 to Natasha Torres-Garner, Board Chair, Young Lungs Dance Exchange.

By email: younglungs.wpg@gmail.com with subject line: YLDE Research Series Coordinator

We thank all applicants for their expression of interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Research-Series-Coordinator-Call Download PDF

Photo by Omid Moterassed, 2019.

Managing Artistic Director Opportunity

We’re Hiring!

Title: Managing Artistic Director (12 month contract, possibility of renewal)

Wage: $26/hr

Starting Contract: $20,904.00

Timeline: January 1st – December 31st, 2021 (averaging 16.75 hrs/week, 67 hrs/month)

DESCRIPTION

YLDE’s range of projects are aimed at dancers, makers, thinkers of dance, and anyone contributing to their physical understanding of self and the world around them. YLDE believes that physical expression is a political act that requires support and community interaction. We therefore are committed to nurturing the beginnings of the creative process when artists are most engaged in experimentation, research, building new ideas and discovering new collaborations.

We’re looking for a Managing Artistic Director to lead our organization in supporting the evolution of dance in Manitoba. The ideal candidate will share with us a love for dance and the belief that dance should hold a vital and valued place in society. As well, they will have an excitement for creative visioning, and the drive to steer this organization.

RESPONSIBILITIES of YLDE’s MANAGING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Organizational Development

Research, vision, and plan future Young Lungs Dance Exchange organizational development in collaboration with the board of directors, and board committees
Research grant opportunities that match the direction of the organization

Human Resources

Lead team of contractors (Marketing & Communications Director, Research Series Coordinator, Bookkeeping, etc.)
Liaise with, and maintain positive relations to all those connected to YLDE (contractors, artists, funders, partners, stakeholders, etc.)

Operations

Oversee all YLDE activity
Secure appropriate studio space/venues, and work with the online platform ‘Zoom’
Respond appropriately to evolving MB COVID-19 protocols
Manage workshops, training, jams, presentations, and outreach events
Write grants, reports, and contracts
Write calls for artists, calls for contractors, statements to the public, etc.

Admin

Propose projected budget and maintain actual budget
General bookkeeping, and work with bookkeeper to manage YLDE finances
Manage payroll and pay all invoices
Maintain an organized filing system for all YLDE related documents
Report to the board of directors
Monitor work hours, budgeting time appropriately for work dense periods (ex. grant deadlines)

Communications and Outreach

Act as media contact
Establish and maintain partnerships by engaging with relevant organizations, artists, and stakeholders within the local, national, and international arts community
Oversee, and at times manage, social media accounts (Twitter, Instagram, Facebook)
Manage website redevelopment
Monitor and respond to emails

QUALIFICATIONS for YLDE’s MANAGING ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Excellent communication skills (written, verbal, and visual)
Strong independent work ethic, and excellent organizational skills
Proficiency in excel spreadsheets
Strong project management skills, ability to handle projects end-to-end
Must have a love for communicating with people, and deep respect for art

Must be highly adaptable and able to lead a team, as well as work collaboratively
Must be willing to work occasional evenings and weekends to attend events
Must have an understanding of the online platform ‘Zoom’
Must have access to wifi, work space, and a working smartphone & computer

Experience

Must have experience in leading an organization or team
Must have experience working in dance, performance, and/or the arts
Experience working within the Winnipeg dance community is an asset
Experience working in the non-profit sector, and with a board of directors is an asset
Experience using WordPress, google drives, Mailchimp, Eventbrite, Facebook, Instagram, and twitter is an asset
Must have expertise in the areas of grant writing, budgeting, making schedules, and keeping deadlines

YLDE is committed to the principle of equitable access to employment, and welcomes applications from diverse backgrounds. We encourage you to self-identify in your cover letter.

By email: younglungs.wpg@gmail.com with subject line: YLDE Managing Artistic Director

We thank all applicants for their expression of interest, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Managing-Artistic-Director-Call Download PDF

Photo by Omid Moterassed, 2019.

Building Skill and Awareness for Dismantling Racism: A Workshop with Jackie Hogue for Artists in the Performing Arts

This workshop takes place over two half days

When: Saturday, Jan. 16th, 2021 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Sunday, Jan. 17th, 2021 @ 10:00 am – 12:30 pm

Where: Online through Zoom

Cost: $50 per person to register

24 participant max.

To register email: younglungs.wpg@gmail.com (participants must be available for both days).

The cost of this workshop has been subsidised by: Young Lungs Dance Exchange, Art Holm, Company Link and J. Hogue & Associates.

About the Workshop:

During our time together we will deepen our understanding around how systemic racism operates and how it is supported. From there we will explore skills for dismantling racism that utilize our mind, body, spirit and heart. The focus of the session will be on awareness, skill and practice for you as individuals, with some time to explore how this work relates to your art and the institutions you interact with. The sessions will include reflection and interactive activities.

About Jackie Hogue:

Jackie is committed to community building and at the same time passionate about solving hard problems. Jackie has been involved in community building and social change for 20 years, 12 of which spent in non-profit management or leadership roles where she grew and shaped organizations. As a trained, skilled facilitator, Jackie enjoys catering to a variety of learning styles to ensure meetings, community consultations or trainings are engaging and successful.

Jackie is Metis with Polish Settler ancestors. Her life experiences, both locally and internationally, have informed her desire to use her skills to dismantle racism and oppression. With years of experience in conflict resolution training, Jackie enjoys finding opportunity among challenging situations, particularly as they relate to organizational strengthening and dismantling oppression.

Jackie has collaborated with several skilled and thoughtful people to design and deliver training and support to organizations. Additionally, she co-designed and co-teaches a course called “Confronting Racism in the Inner City” at the University of Winnipeg.

“Jackie’s gentle and encouraging manner facilitated a group of skeptical participants through a process that ended with action plans and accolades.” — Robin Eriksson, CKUW Radio, University of Winnipeg

“We have been very fortunate and are grateful that we had Jackie facilitating our highly sensitive theme of systemic oppression. Her expertise, coupled with a gentle delivery, allowed the participants to feel encouraged to be vulnerable and to actively participate in a very difficult conversation. Thank you for walking with us on this difficult, yet, rewarding journey of self-awareness!” — Training Participant

For more information on Jackie and her work visit: www.jhogue.ca

YLDE 2019/2020 Annual General Meeting with a presentation by Ian S. Mozdzen

When: Sunday, December 13th, 2020 @ 2:00 – 3:30 pm

Where: Online over Zoom

Email younglungs.wpg@gmail.com to RSVP and for Zoom link.

This event is FREE, all are welcome to attend.

In this presentation, Ian will sketch out recent jaunts into “Asia” and how they seem to have shaped current practicing and sensibility.

About Ian:

Ian S. Mozdzen grew up on a farm in rural Manitoba and has gained experience and practice in a range of forms — from anti-art to ritual to performance art to classical to experimental. Performance and creation has seen numerous collaborations and travel across Canada as well as into Greece, USA, Netherlands, India, Sri Lanka and Mexico. Since August 2016, Ian had been living in Kerala, India to study, practice and perform classical Indian dance and theatre. Officially, Ian had been studying Kathakali and Nangiar Koothu at the Kerala Kalamandalam within the context of an International training program. Additionally, Ian was acquiring Mohiniyattam and Theyyam within private settings. In 2019 & 2020, Ian ventured to Japan to study and learn Odori and Butoh under various dancers and teachers. Ian also located to the India states of Himachal Pradesh & Goa to practice Butoh.

The pandemic cut short Ian’s study and practice abroad. As a result, Ian has rejoined the School of Contemporary Dancers in Winnipeg as a student and is pursuing Covid-permitting artistic activities. Halloween 2020 saw Ian independently present a “koothu” (play) of the famous “Jekyll & Hyde” story synthesising numerous Indian aesthetics and other influences.

Photo: drawing of Ian as “Sir Dalnvert Copperfield” by Doug Melnyk (co-founder of ace art) for 2012’s “The Wretched Coincidences, Overt Folly, and Sentimental Exuberance of DALNAVERT COPPERFIELD (Knight Bachelor of 61 Carlton Street): An Astonishing Conflation with Skits (Which Neither Sir John A. Macdonald nor Charles Dickens Meant to be Presented on Any Account).”

YLDE’s 2020-2021 programming is made possible with the generous support from Winnipeg Arts Council, Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts.

Agreement Making for Creative Practice with Alexandra Elliott and Ali Robson

POSTPONED: Agreement Making for Creative Practice with Alexandra Elliott and Ali Robson

When: Friday, December 4th, 2020 @ 1:00 -4:00 pm (CST)

Where: Online over Zoom

To register, please email younglungs.wpg@gmail.com

This workshop is FREE, all are welcome to register.

For over a year Alexandra and Ali have been having conversations about the agreements that we make when we engage in creative work in a studio together and how those agreements can contribute to safer and braver creative spaces. This workshop will share their considerations and engage participants in dialogue about writing letters of agreement and contracts.

The workshop will be geared towards independent artists, collectives and groups.

Participants will be invited to read/write/share their own ideas and experiences with agreement making. The workshop will be recorded for future reference.

Alexandra and Ali have a shared history as students, performers, artists, travellers and studio mates. They bring many years of experience, as independent dancers, choreographers, dance company members, teachers, producers and presenters in both dance and theatre, to the task of writing letters of agreement and to the thoughtful inquiry of how we make safer and braver creative spaces.

YLDE’s programming is made possible with the generous support from Winnipeg Arts Council, Manitoba Arts Council, Canada Council for the Arts.

Photo credit: Alex Elliott

Artists in Residence Research Series: Call for Submissions

Dates: The Research Series runs January-March, 2021

WHAT IS THE RESEARCH SERIES?

A residency program designed to support the creative processes of artists from all disciplines engaging in dance and/or movement-based research by providing resources such as artists fees, rehearsal space, and public presentation opportunities. The purpose of the residency is to allow for in-depth research, critical thinking, risk-taking, professional development, skill enhancement and an exchange of ideas.

Four (4) artists or artistic teams will be selected to participate in the 2021 Research Series via this application process. No less than two (2) of these teams will be Manitoban-led, and up to two (2) of these teams will be out-of-town-led. We encourage applicants from local, national, and international contexts with access to wifi to apply.

Young Lungs Dance Exchange (YLDE) is committed to the principle of equitable access and strives for a fair, cooperative, respectful, and safe environment that protects and promotes human rights and affirms the dignity of all persons. A minimum of one (1) Black, Indigenous, or artist of colour (or artistic team-lead) will be selected of the four (4) projects. We encourage you to self-identify.

YLDE has funds set aside to support a portion of accessibility-related costs. We are happy to work together with artists to secure the appropriate and necessary budgeting requirements.

Applications will be reviewed and chosen by a selection committee.

CONTEXT AND CRITERIA

Resources facilitated by YLDE during the residency:

• A budget of $3,500 for artist fees and additional labour and/or materials
• Access to an accessible studio space (up to 40 hrs)
• Access to technical support for virtual-based projects (up to 15 hrs)
• Access to YLDE workshops throughout the residency period
• Concluding roundtable discussion regarding the research undergone during the residency (online format)
• Public presentations of the research (online format)
• Presentation of your work will be documented
• Research will be considered for both written and visual essays published on the Young Lungs website

Each artist/group is required to adhere to the following:

• Adapt research format to meet Covid-19 safety protocols. We also encourage exploration with the parameters which physical distance has provided for the fields of performance and embodiment.
• Demonstrate/share their research at the online Research Series presentation. This event will be open to the public
• Participate in public discussion/talk back sessions on the artist’s research
• Develop an online workshop based on their research. This event will be open to the public
• Share their process with a commissioned writer, photographer, and other artists participating in the Research Series (ie. virtual studio visits, phone conversations, etc.)
• Submit a final report at the end of the residency detailing activities and feedback

SUBMISSION GUIDELINES

To apply please submit the following information by email to younglungs.wpg@gmail.com

DEADLINE TO APPLY: Sunday, November 29, 2020.

Contact information: Full name, preferred pronouns, email, home address, phone number
A description of the research project (800 words max.): Explain the inspiration for your project and why you wish to undertake it at this time. Discuss your proposed research process, including a brief explanation for how your process will work well within restrictive Covid-19 safety protocols
Artistic statement (400 words max.): For collaborations, this can be a combined statement or include the statements of each applicant
CV (two-pages max.): For collaborations, please include one CV per collaborator
Biography of the lead artist(s) (each 250 words max.): If you are selected, this text could be used for promotional purposes (press release, website, social media, etc.)
Brief description of a proposed workshop based on your research (150 words max.)
Two items of support material: This can include recent dance or movement work/research, or relevant materials to provide context for your research proposal. Support material can be sent in the form of weblinks or attached documents with your emailed application. The jury will be asked to spend no more than 8 minutes on each submission’s support material. Please provide information on what you would like the jury to focus on if you are providing material that is longer than 4 minutes/1 written page/5 images each.
Budget: This is a critical part of the application. Make sure you are allocating enough funds towards maintaining a professional rate for all collaborators. YLDE suggests using the following guideline for dance artist fees – The CADA/West recommended MINIMUM for an hourly wage is $26.00/hr for professional artists. Materials, mentorship/consultation, and specific requirements should also be considered in the budget.

For questions, including further accessibility funds information, about our residency program, please do not hesitate to contact Zorya Arrow at younglungs.wpg@gmail.com.

Photo credit: Deanna Peters and Less San Miguel, Research Series (2019), Photo by Omid Moterassed.

Black Lives Matter. We Stand With You.

We, the Young Lungs Dance Exchange board of directors and staff, Stand in solidarity with Black communities leading the Black Lives Matter movement across the globe, seeking justice for Black lives lost at the hands of police and systemic racial violence.

As an organization we are dedicated to taking action now to dismantle systemic racism, white supremacy, and systems of oppression, from the inside of our organization, out.

We acknowledge that our board of directors, since the organization’s beginning, has predominantly consisted of white women, and we have historically programmed primarily white artists. We are funded by art institutions that are a product of a colonial system. We acknowledge that we are participating in this colonial system and benefit from white privilege.

Moving forward, as a not-for-profit artist-run support organization operating on Treaty 1 Territory:

We are committed to funding Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour (BIPOC) artists in our upcoming and future Research Series, and ensuring BIPOC representation throughout our programming.

We are committed to increasing BIPOC representation on our board and selection committees.

We are committed to prioritizing members of BIPOC communities and other marginalized groups in our search strategies and hiring process for a new Executive Director in the Fall.

We are committed to expanding the dance practices supported by our organization, including cultural dance practices from BIPOC communities.

We are committed to building relationships with dance organizations, with artists, and with supporters who are doing anti-racist work in pursuit of creating more inclusive spaces.

We are committed to adhering to the Indigenous Accord with which we have signed.

We are committed to educating our board and staff, starting with reading the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Final Report Summary and discussing it together using the TRC Reading Guide for Non-Indigenous Organizations provided by Manitoba Harm Reduction Network.

Improv Score for the COVID-19 Age

In lieu of the workshop they were going to be leading in March 2020 that was canceled due to COVID-19, current Research Series artistic team Neilla Hawley, Mark Dela Cruz, and Emily Solstice Tait are sharing with the public an improv score they have put together as a part of their creative research.

Curious?!? Give it a read, and launch into a physical exploration!