Introduction

Musicians in Residence offers music creators the opportunity to spend extended time immersing themselves in another place. Hosted by a partner organisation, it is a self-directed exploration into a cultural landscape. Residents will have time and space to develop new ideas, experiment with their practice and make new creative connections. The programme is delivered in partnership with the PRS Foundation (UK) and host organisations around the world. 

Objectives

Musicians in Residence aims to:

  • Build relationships between artists, organisations and communities internationally
  • Offer extraordinary experiences which enable music creators to develop their artistic practice, experiment with new ideas and ways of working
  • Open up opportunities for music creators in international marketplace
  • Enable cultural organisations to work differently and strengthen practices through hosting music creators 

About the residency

This year’s Musicians in Residence programme offers individual music creators a four-week (or equivalent) digital residency. Hosted by a partner organisation in the UK, residents will develop new ideas, experiment with their practice and make new connections through engaging with the partners’ local cultural landscape. 

We are offering one residency for a Egyptian music creator to be hosted by a UK partner organisation. 

For reference, a further seven residencies will take place as part of the programme; four for UK music creators to be hosted by international partners in Brazil, Egypt, Indonesia, South Africa, and three for music creators from Brazil, Indonesia and South Africa to be hosted by UK partner organisations. 

The residency will be self-directed by the music creator, with support and guidance from the host partner. Applicants are invited to propose a project idea to help structure their work and time. Through working with the host organisation, the resident is encouraged to make new connections and explore a variety of ideas, both expected and unexpected. The residency will have an active agenda of meetings, encounters, attending cultural events, writing time and so on. 

Our residencies are process-driven rather than outcome-driven. There isn’t an expectation for the music creator to have arrived at a completed work or project by the end of their time. Creative outcomes from the residencies often take time to emerge (award-winning work has taken up to 2 years to complete). However, the resident will be expected to present some form of sharing/work-in-progress or performance during the residency and engage in activities such as workshops or talks. In addition, residents are asked to document their residency to share with public audiences. 

For this digital residency, the music creator will remain based in their home location for the duration, using digital tools to connect with the host and local scene. The four weeks of the residency can be completed flexibly to support any access or caring needs.

Music creators 

Who is this opportunity for and what are we looking for? 

Musicians in Residence is open to music creators of all genres. Music creators may be composers, songwriters, producers – any artists creating music regardless of how they define themselves. We are open to music creators who write and perform their own work and to music creators who would write music for others to perform but would play an active role in organising any performances as well as creating music.

We will look to match the music creator’s and host partner’s interest as much as possible. Applicants must be based in Egypt. 

The resident will be selected through an application and interview process and must demonstrate: 

  • A proven track record as a music creator with a strong and authentic voice
  • Previous experience in successfully leading on creative ideas and processes
  • Interest in making new connections with other creators, organisations and communities 
  • Flexibility and resilience – to work outside of their comfort zone 
  • Curiosity, creativity and the ability to innovate
  • An open and collaborative approach – are prepared to be proactive and work with others
  • They are able to commit the time necessary to fully make the most of this opportunity

In addition, we are accepting applications in English and Arabic but residents will need effective communication skills, both written and verbal, in English language to be able to work with the UK host. An ability to connect, collaborate and create via digital tools and platforms will also be essential. 

As this is a digital residency, we will be looking for proposals from music creators who can demonstrate innovative collaborations virtually. It is important that music creators find creative ways to engage with the places that they will be working with through digital tools.

©

Jules Rawlinson at Interval and Instance, Cryptic Nights 2019

About the host partner

The residency will be hosted by UK organisation called Cryptic which is an international producing art house based in Glasgow, presenting today’s most imaginative, innovative artists whilst also nurturing the creative talent of tomorrow. Founded by Cathie Boyd in 1994, the company thrives on artistic innovation and creative risk-taking, which has subsequently created an environment where artists have been encouraged to push artistic boundaries. To date, Cryptic has presented 172 productions (including 42 world premieres), which have been seen in 30 countries. In 2021, Cryptic celebrates 25+ years of ‘ravishing the senses.’

Please see the below document on Residency Profile for further details about the host partner and the area in which they are based. 

As host, Cryptic will support the resident through: 

Being their main point of contact, providing support throughout the residency
Working closely to build their itinerary
Providing introductions to the local music and wider cultural landscape, setting up meetings with local contacts 
Produce an online sharing/work-in-progress/short performance with the resident for local and (where possible) international audiences

Terms

The British Council will offer the resident an honorarium of £3,000 paid in Egyptian pounds in recognition of their time and creative work during the residency. 

In addition, music creators will receive support in costs for materials (e.g. tech hire), workspace (if needed on a case-by-case basis) and a sharing/performance. 

Host organisations will also provide their time and support, and connections into the local cultural sector.

Timeline

  • Deadline for applications: Monday 15 November 2021
  • Interviews: 10-13 January 2022
  • Decisions communicated: 17 January 2022
  • Residency: To be agreed 

Other than the application deadline, dates given here are an indication only and are subject to change. The exact residency dates will be confirmed between the selected music creator and the host partner.

How to apply 

To apply for the Musicians in Residence opportunity, please complete the application form by 23:59 Egypt Time/21:59 GMT on Monday 15 November 2021. Late applications will not be considered. 

  • Click on apply here
  • Create an account using the 'sign up' option
  • Complete the online application form

When completing the application form, please refer to the below Residency Profile as a starting point. 

Your application will be reviewed by the British Council’s Egypt Arts team, and subsequently the UK-based Music team and the host partner. Applications will be considered against the criteria set out above and overall quality application with consideration given to Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.  

We expect to shortlist 3-4 applications who will be invited to interview with the British Council and the host partner. A final selection will be made following interviews. 

We look forward to hearing from you.

If you have any questions, please contact: cathy.costain@britishcouncil.org.eg or riham.boutros@britishcouncil.org.eg
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