The UnionDocs Collaborative:
A new program for non-fiction media research and group production.
www.uniondocs.org
Overview
The UnionDocs Collaborative (UDC) is a one to two-year program for twelve emerging media producers, theorists, and curators. It is both a rigorous platform for exploring contemporary approaches to the documentary arts and a process for developing an innovative group project. The program focuses on providing what we believe are the most effective educational resources for individuals at the beginning of their careers:
* direct contact and structured exchange with visiting artists.
* exposure to a wide variety of practices and models.
* dynamic interaction among a network of talented peers.
* regular group critique sessions.
* mentorship toward the production of an original work.
* exposure through a toured exhibition and/or publication.
The UDC has been set up to be affordable and scheduled for individuals who may need to work full-time or freelance while being involved in the program. It offers an intensive learning experience at a price that one might expect to pay for just a single credit at a university. While the UDC may have many parallels to parts of a masters program, it is designed to be an alternative-approach that focuses on inspiration from working artists and self-organization within a group, rather than a teacher-led environment. The UDC does not grant degrees or certificates; instead, the completion of an excellent collaborative project is the goal.
For some, participation in the program may lead to further study. For others, it may lead to independent projects or the beginnings of careers within the industry. For all, it is an unparalleled immersion in the expansive field of non-fiction media and art.
Masterclasses and Events
The twelve carefully-selected participants in the UDC have open access to all UnionDocs public screenings, lectures, exhibitions, workshops, and resources. Over the course of the year beginning in September, participants also attend private masterclasses with over thirty visiting artists. These artists represent a broad range of work in non-fiction film, radio, photography and interactive documentary. In these private meetings, the visiting artist shares the detailed history of a particular project from both a practical and a theoretical perspective and then enters into an extended discussion with the group. When appropriate, visiting artists may also offer critiques of works-in-progress by participants of the UDC. Based on individual initiative and with support from the Program Director and the UnionDocs staff, participants may curate public events, bringing the artists of their choice for masterclasses and presentations. Check back soon for a growing list of confirmed masterclasses and screenings for Fall 2009.
Production
The program also facilitates the production of an annual project, a unique collaborative documentary work, offering a way for the group to author individual pieces within the context of a larger framework. The annual project approaches a singular subject from multiple perspectives, following multiple stories, and containing work in multiple media, which may included critical writing or curatorial work. The structure is left open to reflect the interests and talents of the individual participants. The process for developing this work is led by a Mentor with expertise in both non-fiction media and collaborative structures. The final manifestation of the whole project will vary from year to year as a suitable constellation of formats are chosen by the Mentor and Executive Director; one year's project might be a DVD and book, another might end up as an installation and a website. All projects will be shown first at UnionDocs and then designed to be reproducible and seek broader channels of distribution.
View Program Details and Online application.
Deadline for resident applications Aug. 31st.
www.uniondocs.org
