Solo Project was the first in Poland choreographic residency programme launched by Art Stations Foundation in 2006. Its mission was to support young Polish dance creators in the search for their own artistic language. The programme was designed for artists at the threshold of their choreography careers whose interests go beyond the traditional “dance theater” form. In line with the whole concept for Old Brewery New Dance programme, the creative process and artistic experimentation were put in the center with the hopes that residents would reflect upon and discuss art of choreography and look for new means of scenic expression.
The words of an English choreographer Jonathan Burrows – who believes one needs “the head above all else” to create a dance – have become the programme’s motto. His words encouraged young creators to take artistic risks and focus on reflection and self-reflection, as well as exploration of form and body. Having an artistic coach participate in the artists’ selection and be present in the performance’s creation process was a significant aspect of the programme (as of the 2008 edition).In 8 first editions of the project, 23 artists have received support in production and promotion along with substantive creative supervision within their Solo Project residencies. The programme was suspended in 2014 (due to Art Stations Foundation’s full agenda on their 10th anniversary), which favored its evaluation and in turn a deep reflection on its possible paths forward. The reflection outcome was realization that creating a programme to promote solo artists had in a way contributed to this art flourishing in Poland, yet we also believed it should be an artistic decision, rather than a programme requirement, to perform solo. That’s why the programme’s extended version started operating as Solo Project PLUS in 2015, opening up the possibility to create as well duos and trios.
