CSAW SPECIAL PRESENTATION TRACK
CSAW Award for New Work by Circus Artists of Color offers one artist or artist group a $5600 stipend and additional support at Cannonball 2024!
This opportunity is funded by Cannonball donors and through generous support from CSAW.
THANK YOU TO ALL WHO APPLIED!
Psst! Save the date…
Announcing the first ever Black Circus Gathering at Cannonball!
September 6-11, 2024
Do you identify as a Black circus artist? Are you looking for more community? Consider bringing your work to Cannonball between September 6-11. Apply through the Open Call for any of the production tracks, and Cannonball will work to build a schedule that allows participants to see each other's work. This will be complemented by open spaces for gathering and training, additional special events and the ability to apply to participate in a paid opportunity for collaborative artistic creation! This week will be co-hosted by Zelos Marchandt of West Coast Black Circus (Portland, OR) and Alyssa Bigbee of Rebel Arts Movement (Philadelphia, PA).
More info is coming soon!
What is this?
The CSAW Award for New Circus Work at Cannonball Festival in Philadelphia is an opportunity available to BIPOC artists, ensembles, companies or collectives who are creating a new full length circus show (approximately 40-70 minutes). As part of this grant, artists will perform their work a minimum of four times during the run of the festival (September 1-29, 2024).
*For our purposes, circus is defined however you would like it to be, and new means that the version of the show that you present has not been seen or performed before.
Background and Mission
Cannonball and CSAW recognizes the unique challenges that circus artists and small circus companies can face in developing and self-producing full length works, and the ongoing lack of resources available to produce this work. Compounding this, artists of color remain under-represented in a largely white circus industry and face additional challenges in finding support for their work and artistic growth. This partnership between Cannonball and CSAW, an organization which has continually provided resources for circus artists of color through microgrants and tuition grants for educational opportunities, brings dedicated resources and support to begin to address these additional challenges.
Resources We Provide
$5,600 stipend
50% of all ticket sales for your performance
A minimum of 4 performances at Cannonball Festival, including production, marketing, and technical support:
8 hours of tech rehearsal over two days
A dedicated stage manager
Documentation of your show
Marketing support - artists are expected and encouraged to promote their event as much as possible in order to generate ticket sales
Cannonball and CSAW are committed to providing artists with these resources because we understand the disparities that exist for funding for BIPOC circus artists and BIPOC-created works. In addition to the grant and other funding that we are providing, below are few other things that we may be able to provide on a case by case basis to artists to help with the rehearsal and production process:
Housing
Transportation within Philadelphia
Rigging
Equipment/Equipment Rentals
Production Guidance/Mentorship
Rehearsal Space
We will work with the selected artist after selection to see what is needed and what, if anything from the above list, we are able to provide.
Eligibility Requirements
To be eligible to apply for the CSAW Award for New Circus Work at Cannonball:
You must be 18 years of age or older by the date you submit your application.
You must identify in part or whole as a person of color (a person of color is defined as non-white)
*Please note, if you are applying on behalf of an ensemble/group, only the leaders of the project need to identify as BIPOC. Leaders may identify as founders, directors, choreographers, or head artists. Leaders should not identify as non-persons of color, however it is permissible for non-persons of color to be part of the makeup of your ensemble/group.
You must be a US citizen, resident alien, or permanent resident or have a current and valid work permit.
You must have fully read and understand the Cannonball Venue Packet in order to confirm that your work can realistically be produced at one of Cannonball’s Venues.
You agree that flight transportation and housing fees are to be covered using the provided grant funds, and that any additional expenses are not covered.
ALL APPLICATIONS must be received by April 16, 2024 to be considered for this award.
*If you have any questions or concerns about eligibility requirements, please email us at admin@thealmanac.us and we will get back to you as soon as possible.
Review Process
Applications will first be reviewed by Cannonball producers to ensure projects are logistically feasible at Cannonball’s venues. Then, they will be reviewed by a panel of three BIPOC circus professionals according to the following criteria for evaluation:
MERIT: Does the work demonstrate an attention to craft and discipline? What does the work inquire? What is it in conversation with?
IMPACT: Is this track necessary for the Artist? Does the stipend provide the Artist with the opportunity to present new work that could otherwise not be presented? How much impact would the stipend provide for the artist presenting this piece?
RISK: What does the Artist envision through this work? What artistic risks are involved? Is the work pushing forward on form, content, or political/social discourse?
REACH: Is the work grounded in an inclusive worldview? Does the work connect to BIPOC communities, foster ongoing dialogue, and expand representation at Cannonball Festival?
After the panel meets to discuss the applications, panelists will select finalists. Finalists will be selected and notified by May 10, 2024. Finalists may be invited to participate in a brief 15-30 minute video interview about the work.
‘24 CSAW Panelists
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Lexi Powell
Lexi Powell, a second generation entertainer and professional athlete, has graced stages around the world with her uplifting energy, her charismatic demeanor, her physical strength, and storytelling prowess. Her commitment to circus stems from her belief in it's ability to foster growth, self awareness, and inner confidence in all who try it, and she is dedicated to her passion of sharing this experience with the world, especially today's young women.
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Toni Cannon
Toni is a San Francisco based artist, is always finding new ways to express himself through the circus arts. He finds the challenge exciting, and relatable to life’s challenges. Toni started his career later in life however, that didn’t stop him from diving deep into his new found love and passion. He has been lucky enough to train under some great coaches like Master Lu Yi learning disciplines like Chinese pole, partner acrobatics, and Hand to hand. He has also been a part of some amazing companies and productions like Topsy Turvy Circus, Circus Bella, When the rainbow is Enuf, and his Solo show ReFlection.
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Sarah Owens
Sarah Owens is a trained musical actor turned devising clown. She's been performing for most of her life, specifically devising, and pushing boundaries & buttons for the past 3. Currently, she's an arts educator, yoga instructor, and performer thinking about contact, connection, co-conspiracy and inspired by video integration, mixed media, and movement.
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Nathan Alford-Tate
Nathan Alford-Tate is a devising artist, and educator from Detroit, MI. He holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Western Michigan University and a Masters of Fine Arts from University of the Arts/Pig Iron School. He has performed throughout Philadelphia, at The Museum of the American Revolution, The National Constitution Center, Arden Theatre Company, Theatre Exile, Quintessence Theatre Group, and Tribe of Fools.
He’s been a company member with Almanac Dance Circus Theatre since 2018, helping to devise and perform in multiple shows such as, Grounds That Shout, The Fleecing, Permission to Monster and I Hear You and I'd Like to Respond.
Questions? Feedback? Contact us at admin@thealmanac.us.