RALLY Commission

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Aaron Ratajczyk, Plastic Bodies, 2024

New Contemporaries has partnered with RALLY to commission a new work which will be presented at the one-day music and arts festival, taking place on 24 August 2024.


We are delighted to announce that NC2021 artist Aaron Ratajczyk has been selected as the recipient of the New Contemporaries x RALLY commission. Aaron will produce a new work for the one day festival in Southwark Park on 24th August.⁠

Aaron Ratajczyk lives and works in London and Berlin. His artistic practice includes video, performance, text and installation. He graduated with an MFA in Fine Arts from Goldsmiths University of London. He showed his work at CCA Goldsmiths, London (2022), Tube Gallery, Mallorca (2023), Copeland Gallery, London (2022), Shahin Zarinbal, Berlin (2022), New Contemporaries at South London Gallery (2021), Haus N, Athens (2021), Tree Art Museum, Beijing (2020), RCA CCA with Nottingham Contemporary (2020), Sheffield Arts Centre (2020), Museum of Modern Art, Warsaw (2018). He has an upcoming commission for FLAM, Amsterdam (2024).⁠




Application


This opportunity, to produce a new work which will be presented at RALLY, is open to New Contemporaries alumni (2018-2023) who are underrepresented in the sector, such as those who identify as from the Global Majority, LGBTQIA+ or as having a disability.

We invite artists to propose a new work, highlighting how it relates to RALLY 2024’s curatorial theme, engages audiences and how the opportunity will benefit their practice. This opportunity extends our existing programme of studio residencies, fellowships and bursaries and work with partner arts organisations.

RALLY festival commission information

  • The one-day festival will take place on Saturday 24 August 2024 in Southwark Park, London.
  • The recipient will be awarded a £1,000 artist fee as well as a £1,000 production budget.
  • New Contemporaries will work with the recipient to identify a mentor, who will support them in developing their commissioned work during a 1-1 online mentoring session.
  • New Contemporaries and RALLY will provide curatorial support in the development of the commissioned work.
  • RALLY will support the selected artist in installing the work, working together to identify the presentation method and any technical equipment and support.


About RALLY

RALLY is a one day music & arts festival celebrating the importance of community.

A collaborative project, inspired by DIY culture and grassroots movements, bringing together some of London’s best loved and most revered communities. Culminating in a one day event on Saturday 24 August at Southwark Park, RALLY will be a year-round conversation about alternative culture and independent music.

To safeguard the future of grassroots and independent scenes, we believe in supporting and celebrating the communities that platform the best in new music and art. RALLY will bring together a handpicked roster of curator partners, showing the breadth of London’s music and art communities, as well as championing local causes.

Community Values:

  • RALLY believes in the connection between artist and audience above all else.
  • RALLY supports, respects and celebrates London’s music and arts communities.
  • RALLY strives to create opportunities for grassroots culture.
  • RALLY promotes the discovery of new sounds and boundary-pushing artists.
  • RALLY believes in collaboration, value for money and integrity.
  • RALLY promotes diversity, transparency and environmental sustainability.
  • RALLY fundraises for local causes and aims to create a safe and open space for all.


Criteria

You must have exhibited as part of New Contemporaries between 2018 and 2023 inclusive.

Accessibility

RALLY's accessibility information can be found here: https://rallyrallyrally.co.uk/page/information

RALLY’s 2024 programme

The Art of Assembly

RALLY’s 2024 art programme is focussed on celebrating gathering. We are interested in showcasing the myriad of ways communities find ways to come together. At RALLY we are motivated by connection, not just between artist and audience but between people. We are aware of the need for spaces to gather in local communities and through this theme, we aim to highlight the significance of collective experiences and their impact on cultural, social, and artistic development. We are committed to creating a platform where the art of gathering becomes a catalyst for cultural growth, artistic innovation, and community solidarity in London.

The art produced for this theme will be showcased at our festival site in Southwark Park. We want you to think about how your artwork can be used as a site of gathering whether that be through an art, sound or film installation, performance, workshop, participatory event etc.

Application

To apply please fill out the expression of interest form containing the information below:

  • Name and year you were part of New Contemporaries
  • Artist CV (no more than 1 page of A4)
  • Short statement about your practice (no more than 150 words)
  • Summary outlining your proposed new work, including medium and duration (if applicable) highlighting how it relates to RALLY's 2024 curatorial theme and engages the festival’s audiences (no more than 300 words)
  • Any technical, equipment or installation specifications
  • A maximum of 3 examples of your work as images, videos or sound links, including title, year and medium of work.


Please send your:
expression of interest form
and equal opportunities monitoring form
to opportunities@newcontemporaries.org.uk by no later than 10:00am on Monday 10 June 2024.

If you would like to apply by video or audio application, please contact opportunities@newcontemporaries.org.uk ahead of the deadline.

Regrettably, only applications submitted in the format above will be considered. We will let you know if you have been successful by late-June.

Q&A with RALLY Curator, Haja Fanta

Join RALLY Curator, Haja Fanta, for a Zoom Q&A on Wednesday 29 May, 4-5pm.