ABOUT THE PROJECT
Sound of the Sun, Volume III, is the third iteration in UNIT/PITT’s multi-part sound project of sonic-celestial explorations. As days lengthen in the Northern Hemisphere, this project asks participants to consider their relationship to cycles of solar movement: to observe, respond, record, and retell through music, poetry, field recordings, storytelling, and any other audio-based works which speak to this important time of the solar year. The project will culminate in the production of a limited edition cassette tape, guest curated by Jefferson Alade.
This project is made possible with the support of the Canada Council for the Arts, and the Shumka Centre’s Artist Apprenticeship Network 2024 Program.
ABOUT THE CURATOR
Jefferson Alade (he/him) is an interdisciplinary creative currently based in Vancouver, British Columbia on the traditional unceded territories of the xʷməθkʷəyəm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations.
He is completing his Master of Design at Emily Carr University of Art + Design. Prior to attending Emily Carr, he studied at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA). There, he completed his Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Communication and a minor in Music Industry.
During his time at UCLA, Jefferson gravitated toward the music, food and art spaces at school and around the city. On a personal level, he established a storytelling platform that produced music, podcasts, DJ mixes and events. He also gained work experience at companies such as Dim Records and Red Bull Media House.
At Emily Carr, Jefferson’s practice centers around listening and how musical and sonic experiences can form, build and shape community.
WHO CAN APPLY
This program is open to artists, musicians, writers, storytellers and cultural practitioners of all ages and stages of their creative careers who wish to engage with the thematic of the project. While UNIT/PITT prioritizes supporting emerging artists from within our direct community—on the unceded land belonging to the Musqueam, Squamish and Tsleil-Waututh First Nations, also known as Vancouver, BC—we welcome applicants based both within Canada and internationally to consider applying, in order to expand our community across geographical lines.
HOW TO SUBMIT
Using audio for portfolio submissions is highly encouraged, but not required. Pitches may include previously completed works, works-in-progress, or proposed works. Please do not send works which are copyrighted, unless you have permission to redistribute them.
Send your expression of interest to submit@unitpitt.ca with the following information:
- a short statement about yourself (max 200 words)
- a short statement about your proposed sound project (max 200 words)
- curriculum vitae
- 2-5 files or links to view/read/listen to your work online (15 minutes maximum for sound files)
All expressions of interest must be submitted by Friday, April 5, 2024
***Please note: If applicants require any technical assistance in assembling their application, please contact us as early as possible before the deadline.
SELECTION PROCESS
Pitches will be juried by the curator with support from UNIT/PITT’s Programming Committee. Once 10 applicants have been selected, they will be notified and given 5 weeks to submit their completed work—up to 15 minutes of sound. UNIT/PITT is committed to working with each applicant to ensure they have the support and equipment they need to record their final submission. The work will be professionally mastered and arranged by the curator in consultation with the artists.
All applicants will be notified of the outcome by April 31, 2024, and will then have four weeks to send their final works to the curator, who will support each artist in the realization of their project.
PRESENTATION
The compilation will be broadcast through online platforms, shared to UNIT/PITT’s website and social media, aired in a radio broadcast, and issued in the form of a limited-edition cassette tape. Participants will also be considered to perform their work in a live event at the end of June 2024.
COMPENSATION
Successful applicants will receive a $600 artist fee, and three copies of the limited-edition cassette recordings.
QUESTIONS? Please contact info@unitpitt.ca
*Image by Catherine de Montreuil
