You would think that this is no time to plan new artistic productions with theatres shut and a stricter lockdown just around the corner. Yet where there’s a will, there’s a way. Rialto Theatre is bringing back FlashArt@Rialto for a second time, a series of performing arts events, establishing it as an annual programme. A second open call has just been announced, inviting artists and performers to submit their proposals.

The project was introduced last April, a response by the theatre to the consequences on the cultural world of the pandemic. It was embraced by artists and audiences alike and 11 performances out of the 60 submitted were selected, with three remaining to still be presented. As soon as circumstances permit, they will take place, outdoors, online, with or without a physical audience.

Now, the ongoing restrictions further make the creation, production and presentation of new works increasingly difficult. This second edition of FlashArt@Rialto aims at reinforcing authentic cultural production through a support package for film, music, theatre and dance productions.

Until February 7, artists and performances can submit their proposals, new or existing work produced during 2019-2020. The theme of the pieces is more or less open and can go beyond the consequences of the pandemic to additional issues that concern society. Independent productions and collaborations with other theatres or institutions will be taken into account, having a minimum duration of 40 minutes and a maximum duration of 80 minutes.

Performances will either take place at the theatre or outdoors as part of Rialto’s summer events. Yet given the uncertainty we are still experiencing not much is set in stone. There might be live streaming, there might not. There might be a live audience, there might not.

The selection of the pieces will be based on artistic value, authenticity, ability to communicate the creative process and presentation of the final work. The works that will be shortlisted will receive support with the financial funding of production, collaboration with Rialto Theatre providing free use of the Theatre, covering part of the Theatre’s rental cost, tangible and intangible infrastructures as well as aid with promotion and advertising.

Find details and a downloadable application form on www.rialto.com.cy by February 7. Those selected will be notified by February 20.

“The primary mission of this new edition remains the same,” said Rialto Theatre, “to stand by local artistic production by offering support to Cyprus-based artists and performers who combine performing arts with digital or other forms of Art. Moreover, the objective is not only to showcase the final artistic result, but also to highlight the creative process emerging from the connection between Art and Technology.”

FlashArt@Rialto

Open call for the 2nd edition. A series of performances to be presented in2021. Deadline: February 7. Application form found on www.rialto.com.cy