CALL TO ARTISTS
Collage Artist Residency Scotland: Castles as Buildings, Metaphors, & Systems of Power
Deadline for Fall 2024: Sunday, 30 June 2024
The idea of castles dates back to the medieval period. Conventionally defined as fortified homes for seats of power, over time the idea of castles has evolved dramatically. Rich in mythology and folklore, castles appear in the 20th and 21st century as palatial estates renowned for their aristocracy and romance, centers of theme parks of the imagination. The idea that a “man’s house is his castle” is one of the oldest principles in Anglo-American jurisprudence. The reality of castles is much more complex: Not homes, but villages where complex systems of power dictated rules and etiquette. As models of human organization, castle-like systems can be found in early colonial Americas and plantation culture where the romance of Lord of the Manor and Master of the House falls quickly against the realities of slavery, patriarchy, and class division. In 21st century late-stage capitalism, we see the castle system reproduced in the C-Suites of the corporate class.
In 2024, Kolaj Institute will conduct a year-long investigation of castles as buildings, metaphors, and systems of power. In collage artist residencies in Scotland, New Orleans, and virtual space, we will bring together artists to explore the ideas of castles as a way of understanding the systems of power that shape history and contemporary life. In Scotland, we will consider the castles of Sanquhar, Drumlanrig, and Morton; their history, folklore, and evolution. In New Orleans, we will reflect upon the plantations of the German Coast on the Mississippi River. Through virtual residencies, we will examine 20th century romantic notions of castles in popular media and theme parks. Collectively, artists will make artwork that expresses ideas that connect history and folklore to contemporary manifestations of power. The end result will be expressed in a book and exhibition.
Kolaj Institute believes that one way to raise the standing of collage is to put the art form in conversation with the civic discourse. We engage in a variety of projects that demonstrate how contemporary artists can express ideas that help us see the world in a more complex fashion.
Artists will make one artwork during the residency which demonstrates their approach to the project. After the Residency, artists will be invited to submit 3-5 additional collages and a statement. Some of the artwork submitted will be exhibited at Kolaj Fest New Orleans in 2025 which artists will be invited to attend and speak about.
UPCOMING DATES
Fall 2024
Sunday, 8 September – Saturday, 14 September 2024
Sunday, 15 September – Saturday, 21 September 2024
DEADLINE
Next Deadline to Apply: Sunday, 30 June 2024. Submissions will be reviewed on a rolling basis until space is filled. Artists are encouraged to apply well before the deadline. Also, please note, responses may not be sent out until two weeks after the deadline.