If I Can't Dance year 2010-2011

In 2010 – 2011 If I Can’t Dance coordinated a research project at the Dutch Art Institute for the third consecutive year. | tag: Bilbao

Affect/Production 

If I Can’t Dance, I Don’t Want To Be Part Of Your Revolution produces art works and thematic programmes. Departing from a spirit of open questioning and long term enquiry with artists, If I Can’t Dance is dedicated to exploring the evolution and typology of performance and performativity in contemporary art.

For the project Affect/Production, tutor Phil Collins met with the students on a monthly basis in Arnhem. Students explored performative exercises through a series of workshops taught by guest visitors Simon Will, Sanja Mitrovic, Sharon Smith, and Nick Powell.

The monthly sessions were framed theoretically by the field of research of affect, the departure point of If I Can’t Dance’s current collaborative investigation. In addition, students attended a programme of lectures, performances and workshops organized by If I Can’t Dance, with Marie de Brugerolle and Jane Zingale; Isidoro Valcárcel Medina and Bulegoa z/b (Miren Jaio, Isabel de Naverán, Leire Vergara); Inti Guerrero; and the Chicago Boys.

In early May Affect/Production travelled to Bilbao, Spain, to work together on a group project and to become familiar with the local cultural scene. Following an intense week of workshops in Bilbao and Azala, led by Phil Collins and Sharon Smith, the performance Like Now (would be good) was presented at Bulegoa z/b on the final night.

On Wednesday 6 July, Like Now (would be good) was presented at the Dutch Art Institute in Arnhem, as part of a full day of end of year presentations and graduation festivities. With the invaluable support of musician Nick Powell and artist Sharon Smith, the students collaborated together in a performance that took place in a parking lot opposite the DAI building. If I Can’t Dance invited Doreen Mende to write a report on this performance. Doreen is curator and tutor of the course Reading for Writing or How to do Things with Theory at the Dutch Art Institute since 2010.

Students in Affect/Production were Ingeborg Entrop, Frederik Gruyaerts, Yunjoo Kwak, Toeh Meisami, Lara Morais, Emilio Moreno, Charlotte Rooijackers, Gonçalo Sena, Vanja Smiljanic, Vittoria Soddu, Witta Tjan and Barbara Wagner.