Yr Odyn 2013

We are currently inviting applications for Volcano’s Yr Odyn Emerging Artists Scheme.

“The mix of coaching, mentoring and business development offered within an invigorating artistic environment feels unique and highly effective.  I have been inspired, challenged and supported and I am leaving the scheme excited about the prospects ahead.” Lisa-Wells Turner  Yr Odyn 2012

Yr Odyn and Volcano

Yr Odyn, now in it’s second year, is a unique scheme from Volcano designed to support emerging artists and new companies in Wales. Through the scheme, Volcano not only guide existing projects and ideas, but encourage a thorough process of discovery and creativity that will enable artists to examine their own practice and realize their potential with courage, ambition and integrity. Volcano has drawn on its extensive experience, unique working methods and excellent resources to create a developmental opportunity that demands real engagement from its participants in return for its transformative effect on their thinking and practice.

Yr Odyn is based in Volcano's base at 229 Swansea High Street. The opportunities the company offers as part of the scheme include free access to practical rehearsal and development space, one-to-one coaching and mentoring, guidance in arts management, as well as more informal opportunities to meet with partners and Associate Artists. There will also be opportunities to participate in creative events and gatherings organized by Volcano throughout the duration of the scheme.

Volcano, now celebrating it’s 25^th anniversary, was formed as young company in the mid-1980s by two students at Swansea University, Fern Smith and Paul Davies. Since then, the company has performed and toured a wealth of productions throughout the UK and internationally. Volcano is still based in its hometown of Swansea and has for over a decade been one of the Arts Council of Wales Revenue Funded Organizations. Volcano’s team includes people whose expertise includes directing, devising, research and development, movement, voice, creative writing, design, critical theory, teaching, administration, marketing, copywriting, fundraising, IT and technical support.

Who is the Scheme for?

Yr Odyn is open to all Wales-based young/emerging artists and companies who would benefit from the scheme by mentoring, coaching, creative input and arts marketing support as well as free access to rehearsal, performance and workshop space.

Mentoring

Paul Davies offers creative mentoring to young and emerging artists. Paul is co-founder and artistic director of Volcano and has 25 years experience, performing, teaching and directing in theatre. He has a PhD in politics and an MBA. This is an opportunity to gain expertise and advice on the artistic development of a company, the creative process and developing a successful project. Mentoring allows young/emerging artists to ask questions, gain guidance and help
build creative and business networks.

Coaching

Fern Smith is a qualified Relational Dynamics Coach and co-founder Volcano. She has a degree in Psychology and was Arts Council Wales Clore Fellow 2010/11. Coaching encourages individuals to establish where s/he is now, where s/he wants to get to, and assists in creating strategies and overcoming obstacles on the journey. It has been proven to be a highly effective tool, working towards organizational and individual change/development. Coaching provides an opportunity for emerging artists to develop their practice, confidence, resilience and problem solving abilities.

Company Support

Company administration/marketing surgeries are offered at a beginners or more advanced level for those wanting to get started or develop their skills in these areas. Claudine Conway who has worked with Volcano for over a decade on all areas of marketing and administration is responsible for this element of the scheme.

Facilities

Volcano has an on-site rehearsal/performance space, plus a meeting space. As part of Yr Odyn this is available to artists and companies for one week for those wishing to research, new projects/productions. Ideally this serves as a space for exploration and research in the early stages of creation. Office space and a range of IT resources are also available on-site.

Each recipient of the Yr Odyn Award will benefit from:

Mentoring (6x1 hour sessions)
Coaching (6x1 hour sessions)
Business Development /Administration surgeries (3x2 hour sessions), Use of Facilities (one week’s free use of rehearsal/workshop space) and £500 towards expenses.

The Application Process

Applications for Yr Odyn are welcomed from new and emerging artists working in the area of the performing arts and live arts. Applicants should be currently living in Wales.

Individual Artists and/or Companies are invited to apply by submitting a formal written application. If you are a company applying you will need to explain how different members of the company would benefit from different elements of the scheme (e.g. one person uses coaching, another uses mentoring.)

The application would be in the form of a 2 Page A4 submission which should include:

• Your full name, address and contact details
• An introduction to yourself/your company, your work, your vision and areas of interest
• Information on past and current projects and any funding gained/applied for to date
• Your perceived skills and challenges as an artist/new company
• What you would hope to gain from participation in the scheme
• Details of any specific project you would develop during the scheme? 


We will create a shortlist of applicants from the written submissions and have an informal meeting with the shortlist before deciding on the two successful candidates.

Schedule

• Application process opens 1^st May
• Closing date for applications 1^st July
• Interviews with shortlisted applicants (date to be confirmed)
• Successful applicant announced 1^st August
• Yr Odyn Scheme 1^st September-1^st March (6 month period)

Due to the intensive nature of the scheme only TWO artists or companies can be selected and supported in any six-month period. Participants will be asked to submit a formal evaluation and detailed report of the process on completion.

Send completed applications to

Claud@volcanotheatre.co.uk or 229 High Street, Swansea SA1 1NY (mark applications Yr Odyn)