This year the ISACS Network was delighted to partner again with Wexford Arts Centre to bring back LIFT – one of our artist development programmes. This residency offers mentoring and creation space for duo ground-based circus artists via an open-call residency. LIFT is supported by County Wexford Arts Department, Wexford County Council, and The Arts Council Ireland.
LIFT aims to provide space, support, expertise and room for circus artists to develop their practice. The selected artist for this 2024 edition was Elisa Gallo Rosso.
The artist was granted the use of theatre space at Wexford Arts Centre along with mentoring from Cormac O’Connor to craft musical landscapes. Elisa also availed of using a hot desk at the ISACS Network office to conduct desktop research.
The Residency ended on November 15th with Elisa performing 51 Removals – an initial work in progress that resulted from her 5 days residency. Here is what she said about her experience:
This residency has been incredibly beneficial. I was able to adjust parts of my street show, 51 Removals, for a theatre setting, by collaborating with composer Cormac O’Connor and concentrating on improving the soundscapes to develop a more immersive atmosphere.
The residency has also allowed me to present my recent work at the Wexford Arts Centre and engage more with the ISACS Board of Directors during the hot desk research phase.
It can be challenging to find the time to rework the details and narrative of a street show, as its true essence often lies in the streets. As a multidisciplinary artist creating giant puppets for parades and performance pieces, I frequently use my craft to build surreal worlds that need plenty of replenishing time; therefore, slowing down is crucial for observing and listening rather than constantly rushing. The hot desk research has been a calming experience, enabling me to browse books and discuss ideas and next steps with Lucy Medlycott.
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