Open Call for the 4th edition of Rupert’s Alternative Education program

Our Alternative Education Program aims to combine self-directed education, interdisciplinary exchange and professional development. It is a resource aimed at creating opportunities for exchange between thinkers and producers based in different parts of the world and at facilitating the production of various individual projects including artworks, exhibitions, publications and institutions. The program consists of regular lectures, workshops, events and studio visits with local and international guests (among which Claire Bishop, Sebastian Cichocki, Dora Garcia, Adam Kleinman, Raimundas Malašauskas, Fionn Meade, Dan and Lia Perjovschi, Kristupas Sabolius, Mårten Spångberg and Julijonas Urbonas have participated in the past) and self-initiated initiatives such as reading groups, workshops and trips. In addition to its own programmed activities, the Education program is informed by the presence of the 40 or so artists, writers, curators, academics and other creative researchers that join Rupert’s Exhibitions, Residencies and Public Programs each year. Lastly, the program consists of a final presentation of completed projects – an exhibition, workshop or weeklong lab – hosted both at Rupert and at partner organisations abroad. Previous participants have travelled to Studio-X in New York, Komplot in Brussels and Warsaw Bauhaus in Poland.

Previous editions have taught us that it’s essential for applicants to regard themselves as participants, not as students. Equally, it is important for them to regard the Program as a resource, not as training. We ourselves, the team and the people we invite, are equally faced with the challenge and the desire to do things from impossible conditions (remembering Doris Lessing’s famous quote). The Education Program is an opportunity to help each other succeed in that effort.

For this 4th edition of the Alternative Education Program we are joined by Liudvikas Buklys, Travis Jeppesen, Justė Jonutytė, Valentinas Klimašauskas, Augustas Serapinas, Joshua Simon, Maya Tounta, Marina Vishmidt and Jonas Žakaitis, who will host talks, workshops, events or trips that are yet to take form. The rest of the Program will be created by you – the participants.

We look forward to receiving your applications! And if you’re not an artist, a curator or a writer, please don’t be discouraged from applying. We would love to have you involved!

DATES
10 February – 31 July 2016

APPLICATION DEADLINE
31 January

HOW TO APPLY
Send your application form, CV (in English) and portfolio (no more than 5 works) to info@rupert.lt by 31 JANUARY 2016 (midnight) (we’ll let you know we’ve received your application via email). Applicants selected for a live or Skype interview will be notified separately. Final selections will be announced in February.

ELIGIBILITY AND CRITERIA
Applicants must have a good command of the English language (no formal language qualifications required).
Applicants must also be based in Vilnius for the duration of the program and agree to an 80% attendance of all program activities. International applicants must be from the E.U. or have a VISA that allows them to stay in Lithuania for the duration of the program.
Secondary education and previous work experience are not required but looked at favourably.

The Program is FREE.

If you have any additional questions, don’t hesitate to contact us at info@rupert.lt