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UnionDocs Collaborative Seeks Resident Curators, Deadline August 8

The UnionDocs Collaborative is a one or two-year program for emerging media producers, theorists, and curators. It is both a rigorous platform for exploring contemporary approaches to the documentary arts and a process for developing an innovative group project. The program focuses on providing what we believe are the most effective educational resources for individuals at the beginning of their careers:

+ direct contact and structured exchange with visiting artists.

+ exposure to a wide variety of practices and models.

+ dynamic interaction among a network of talented peers.

+ regular group critique sessions.

+ mentorship toward the production of an original work.

+ exposure through a toured exhibition and/or publication.

The UDC has been set up to be affordable and scheduled for individuals who may need to work full-time or freelance while being involved in the program. It offers an intensive learning experience at a price that one might expect to pay for just a single credit at a university. While the UDC may have many parallels to parts of a masters program, it is designed to be an alternative-approach, that focuses on inspiration from working artists and self-organization within a group rather than a teacher-led environment. The UDC does not grant degrees or certificates; instead, the completion of an excellent collaborative project is the goal.

For some, participation in the program may lead to further study. For others, it may lead to independent projects or the beginnings of careers within the industry. For all, it is an unparalleled immersion in the expansive field of non-fiction media and art.

SPACE

UnionDocs is located at 322 Union Ave, in Williamsburg Brooklyn. The first floor is a commercial space run by the General Manager. It includes the gallery/screening room, 3 small studios for working artists, the UnionDocs director’ office, access to a large backyard, and access to the basement which has been sound-proofed and is rented for band rehearsal and audio recording. Resources on the first floor are readily available to all UDC participants outside of the program schedule with approval from the General Manager.

On the floors above, there are two nicely-sized three bedroom apartments with a living room, kitchen and bath. Both have wood floors and get lots of light. Bedrooms can be locked, but common spaces are shared by the six residents. The common spaces are furnished, so residents need only bring the contents of their bedroom. The building has high-speed internet, a VOIP phone, and washer and dryer.

$850/month includes utilities (electricity, heating, gas, water and high speed internet).
Deposit of $1500 required at time of contract signing.

This rent is a direct pass through of what UnionDocs pays to lease the apartments plus utilities charges. Program fees are considered separate and are (of course) also required for the residency. These costs, however, can be split monthly and paid along with rent. A one year commitment is mandatory, but we strongly encourage residents to consider staying in the program for two years. If a resident can commit to two years in the program, we can offer a discount on the second year’s program fees.

2009 - 2010 PROGRAM FEES

These fees have been set up to be as a low as possible, while also providing for a very meaningful experience in a well-organized environment. We hope to deliver a lot more for participants in the program than they would expect to get paying for a single course at university. Program fees go towards masterclass honorariums, the mentorship stipend, a portion of rent for the first floor commercial space, as well as part of our small operations and administrative budgets. Fees are based on a one-year mandatory commitment. There is some flexibilty in the payment schedule for residents.

* $1500 due Sept 1st, 2009
* $1500 due Feb 1st, 2010

GENERAL SCHEDULE

* Private UDC Masterclass: Select Sundays, 4-5:30pm.
* Public Documentary Bodega Screening: Every Sunday at 7pm.
* Mentor project development meeting: Most Tuesdays, 7pm.
* Other UnionDocs events: Vary from week to week.

Starts	September 1 2009
Ends / Deadline	September 1 2010
Homepage	http://www.uniondocs.org/program-details/1/
Contact	christopher@uniondocs.org
Issues	Media, Digital Media, Fair Representation, Media Literacy