DIGITAL RESIDENCY: A Collaborative Journey in Performance Art at ESPRONCEDA Institute of Art & Culture

The residency was marked by an innovative and experimental approach, breaking away from traditional theatrical and performance rules to foster creativity and collaboration. Organized in partnership with Sweden’s Intercult and Italy’s E35 Foundation, this initiative brought together participants to develop a hybrid performance that combined live physical presence with digital connectivity across the trio of partners.

Through preparatory meetings among mentors and project managers, a collaborative agenda was crafted to guide the process. This set the stage for participants to explore personal narratives, societal themes, and artistic techniques. From the very beginning, the creation process integrated phrases inspired by Antonio Guterres‘ speech on climate change, personal objects representing pivotal moments in participants’ lives, and excerpts from Sophocles’ Antigone. These elements came together to form the foundation of an experimental and cohesive performance.

As participants delved deeper into the creative process, they collaborated online with the trio groups, presenting their evolving performances and exchanging ideas. These sessions facilitated a rich dialogue that identified key thematic elements such as the “red thread” symbolizing connection and destiny, and the use of sound and music as binding and temporal elements. This collaborative dynamic fostered a sense of unity among the artists and allowed for a fluid exchange of concepts and techniques.

Throughout the residency, participants worked on refining their performance through rehearsals, discussions, and feedback sessions. A dynamic lighting design was introduced to highlight pivotal moments in the choreography, enhancing the visual narrative. In addition, the integration of digital tools facilitated cross-border collaboration, enabling artists to synchronize their performances despite being physically distant.

The transition to the large gallery space at ESPRONCEDA embodied a major advancement in the process. This new setting provided the artists with the opportunity to conduct live rehearsals, incorporating adjustments based on feedback from mentors and peers. Collaborative discussions culminated in a unified musical composition and a detailed plan for incorporating the “red thread” as a visual and symbolic element.

The final performance was a hybrid creation that seamlessly blended the physical and digital realms. It showcased the collaborative efforts of all participants and highlighted the innovative spirit of the residency. Following the live presentation, a collective reflection among artists and partners celebrated the achievements of the program, emphasizing the growth and shared learning that had taken place.

The residency concluded with a celebratory gathering, where participants expressed gratitude and reflected on their transformative journey. This marked the end of an enriching week of experimentation, collaboration, and artistic innovation that pushed the boundaries of performance art.