The results of the selection process for the pilot edition of the SPOTLIGHT developmental residency programme have been announced. The initiative is aimed at artists and creators from non-Polish cultural backgrounds. Eight participants have been selected to take part in the residency.
The selection committee – composed of Anna Galas-Kosil (Deputy Director for Programming of the Theatre Institute), Krystyna Mogilnicka (Head of the International Cooperation Department at the Theatre Institute), Szymon Adamczak (curator and program coordinator, theatre artist), Lena Tworkowska (curator, producer), and Sviatlana Haidalionak (cultural manager, ICORN program coordinator) – has recommended the following individuals for the residency (in alphabetical order):
- Maryia Bialkovich
- Romano Dautanac
- Żenia Dawidenka
- Rachel Karafistan
- Victoria Myronyuk
- Olesia Nezhyva
- Andrei Novik
- Siarhei Rylko
The committee has also selected the following candidates for the waiting list, to be admitted if spots in the program become available:
- Palina Dabrovolskaya
- Volha Kulikouskaya
- Tati Lemesheva
Over one hundred applications were submitted by artists and creators from countries such as Ukraine, Belarus, Turkey, Italy, Nigeria, Rwanda, China, the USA, and Croatia. After reviewing the applications, the committee decided to invite selected candidates for interviews. The interviews were conducted online between May 27 and May 29.
When making our decisions, we primarily considered the potential impact of participation in the programme on each individual’s future professional and artistic development. Another crucial criterion was potential group dynamics. We aimed to build a diverse team, comprising individuals from various countries and backgrounds, who would be able to inspire, support, and learn from one another. This would be achieved by drawing not only on the programme’s resources but also on the participants’ own skills and expertise.
Our goal was to select a group that would facilitate meaningful networking, foster long-lasting professional relationships among participants, and open up opportunities for creative collaborations. We also aimed to ensure a strong match with mentors from the Polish theatre and performing arts scene. We also took into account the specific regions and cities in Poland where the candidates currently live and work.
We want to emphasise that all applicants demonstrated an exceptionally high level of expertise, professionalism and dedication, which made our final decisions incredibly difficult. Unfortunately, due to the limited number of places on the programme, we were unable to accept everyone.
The programme will begin on 23 June at the Theatre Institute and will end in mid-November.
