T.R.I.B.E. – a new network of residency spaces in the Balkans and East Europe, dedicated to research and production of Transitory Art, launches its first open call for artistic and research residencies to take place between April 2013 and March 2014. TRIBE network aims to examine vital cultural, political and social questions in a way that will produce fresh perspectives via research and artistic outputs.

THEME for RESIDENCIES 2013 & 2014:TRANSITION AND UTOPIA

Transition can be seen in acute forms in current political and social conditions and in the accelerated transition of social, religious and economic notions of value. In a situation of constant dislocation and perceived loss of values Transitory Art can play a vital role in adjusting perceptions and bringing forward new forms, considering and analysing not only longer-term solutions and structures, but also smaller, short-term interventions that can help trigger processes of change including at the socio- and geo-political level.

While the Balkans did enjoy a period of so-called independence they are now increasingly subject to historical Austro-Hungarian interests in new forms and re-entering a state of disempowered economic dependence. This is accompanied by a loss of respect for human rights in Europe accompanied by growing nationalism at the European centre as well as the peripheries.

Both centre and periphery are experiencing an ever-harsher capitalist regime. This intensifies processes of migration from and across the Balkans. These conditions generate social, cultural and political uncertainty and a related lack of vision and leadership at a time when much of the region’s populations remain traumatised by constantly changing and deteriorating life conditions.

The forced and even catastrophic transitions occurring at all levels of human existence (intellectual, political, personal, media) produces widespread disorientation. Transitory Art is a process which responds to the consequences of transitional ‘realities’ which create such a widespread state of fear and uncertainty, and social and mental dead-ends.

In the current state, change seems an utopia. We believe that the role of art is to allow a space for the possibility of change, generating fresh perspectives and propose new solutions. We search for concepts and ideas in which the citizens of a dreamless Europe regain their power to change.