In 2024, the ISACS Network was delighted to complete the second edition of the JumpStart Residency. This is one of four flagship artform residency programmes which ISACS have been involved in developing: JumpStart, LIFT, Áras Éanna and NEST.
This multi-annual, artist development platform is presented in partnership with Earagail Arts Festival, Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, and Fidget Feet Irish Aerial Dance Festival, and is supported by The Arts Council of Ireland.
JumpStart offers an artistic and sectoral mentoring programme for emerging aerial dance and circus artists via an open call.
In 2023, we were delighted to announce that the Jumpstart Artist for 2023 and 2024 was Ashton. Along with a bursary of €500 per week, plus accommodation, space, documentation, and support, Ashton received the following:
Year 1: Residencies and mentoring
The artist was resident in the North West of Ireland throughout Summer 2023, being mentored by experienced aerial artists and producers as follows:
- 1 week Residency in Sligo, during Cairde Sligo Arts Festival, 2-8 July
- 1 week Residency in Donegal, during Earagail Arts Festival, 9-15 July
- 1 week Residency in Letterkenny, during Irish Aerial Dance Festival, 16-22 July.
Year 2: A platform to showcase the Work in Progress
The partnering Festivals provided Ashton a platform to showcase their work in progress during Summer 2024.
Here is what Ashton said about their experience:
JUMPSTART enabled me to explore new creative territories, nurture the creative process, and to make a new piece of work. The show is the most significant and in-depth piece of solo work I’ve made, and is a 40 minutes theatre and vertical dance piece. I was able to directly engage a specialist rigger (Iain Miller), and vertical dance mentor (Lindsey Butcher), choreographers and a film-maker, none of which would have been possible without financial support.
Working with Lindsey in particular, was incredible, and has changed my practice as an artist, and my approach to life in general! Lindsey’s generosity and enthusiasm is like nothing else I’ve experienced, and working with her was the highlight of the whole programme.
Attending the festivals was incredible, both for the opportunity to see loads of work!, and also being able to make connections/network. The conversations I had with other artists and industry professionals has increased my knowledge and understanding of the sector, and where I want to invest in the next stage of development. The experience made me appreciate anew how important it is to see the work of other artists; for inspiration, aspiration, and to gain understanding in how my work sits in the wider arts sector.
It was a privilege to perform my work-in-progress as part of all three festival partners’ programmes, and to get feedback from professionals on the work. I also now have footage and photos to promote the piece, and to help me in seeking the funding I need to finish it and get things ready to send to bookers.
With the support of JUMPSTART, I’ve been able to elevate my practice and embrace challenges I once thought impossible. It’s been an investment not just in my work, but in my future; it helped me to grow as an artist and to make bold, new artistic strides. Being able to “buy time” gave me space to experiment, evolve and, quite literally, take my craft to new heights! JUMPSTART wasn’t just funding, but a partnership in my artistic development – this grant has been the foundation of my next chapter as an artist.
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