Post Natyam in January

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Jan 5, 2007, 7:48:28 AM1/5/07
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Post Natyam Collective - January 2007 Newsletter


Dear friends,
   
The year 2006 ended with the sad news of the passing of one of our biggest inspirations- Chandralekha. All of us were greatly influenced by her revolutionary contribution to Indian dance and her radical vision of sensual bodies, movement, and space.

We are deeply saddened by her passing.


Post Natyam


Post
Natyam News

Last month, we had the opportunity to share a night of performance with Hari Krishnan in The Park's Other Festival in Chennai, thanks to Anita Ratnam, Ranvir Shah and their incredible team. We thoroughly enjoyed meeting the festival team, the fellow artists as well as the audience at The Other Festival. Following is a review from the Hindu:

    "…exploring the inner reaches of the heart and mind…Post Natyam, explored through dance, areas beyond the traditional realms of dance.  The three artistes who took center stage expanded and enriched the idiom of dance with their diverse experiences, varied dance styles, fluidity and grace, as they explored women-centric themes ranging from sensuality and shame to freedom."-Devika Natarajan,The Hindu, Chennai, December 6, 2006

And Nritarutya Dance Collective, Bangalore, was so generous to have presented us along with Veena Basavarajaiah in Adhaya.  There we met many other incredible artists and we hope to feature their upcoming performances in our future listings so that you get a chance to see their work as well!

You can see pictures of our 2006 shows on www.myspace.com/postnatyam

On December 8, Sangita's film Dancing Kathmandu premiered at the Gurrukul Performance space as a highlight of the Kathmandu International Mountain Film Festival. The screening was delayed by more than 30 minutes due to the extremely, and overwhelmingly large numbers of people who showed up for the screening.  The Himalayan review states it well:

"For Shresthova, a person of mixed lineage (father's a Shrestha, mother a Czech), she could not have received a greater love, a better audience, and a better venue and festival for the premiere of her documentary, than she received on the afternoon of December 8...Many questions were asked, many issues raised but... judging by the audience's reactions, the documentary was well received as many a guffaw of laughter roared throughout the film." (The Himalayan, December 9, 2006)


Post Natyam Performances:


Los Angeles
27 January 2007, 8:30pm to 11:00pm


Shyamala will be performing with

Artists for Humanity

Awakenings Coffee House in Lomita               
24100 Narbonne Ave, Lomita, CA 90717

$5 Admission (2 for the venue,  $3 to the Rainforest Foundation www.rainforestfoundation.org , SOS Children's Villages www.sos-usa.org, and Women & Youth Supporting Each Other www.wyse.org)

    Artists for Humanity is a showcase of artists from all mediums and walks of life who have come together to not only advocate the arts but promote awareness of the social and global issues of today and positive peaceful solutions to these problems.

    These artists (including spoken word, dance, mixed-medium studio art, film, photography, music, and theater arts) have all volunteered their time and talents to bring their communities messages of acceptance, understanding, compassion, and hope.

    Artists Include:
    Jennifer "Tehani" Sarreal  www.islandbeatentertainment.com
    Marguerite Kusuhara
www.GypsyMagic.com
    Veronique Chevalier
www.cabaret4choice.org
    Orlando Greenhill
    Neil Rivas
    ReyRonald Flores
    Jay Richardson
    Catherine “Katerina†Cruzan
www.katerinadance.com
    Eve Del Rosario
    Shyamala Moorty
www.shyamalamoorty.net
    D'Lo
http://www.mtvdesi.com/news/story.jhtml?id=1538467
    Jane Boyd
    Sean Duenser
    Jeffrey Kanjanapangka



Post Natyam Pointers:


Summary of Listings:
(detailed listings below)

Events
:


1.    New York City, USA: 2 -27 January 2007: Liberated: solo exhibition by Asma
       Shikoh
2.    San Francisco, USA: 6 January 2007: Himalayan Project/Oblique Brown
3.    Birmingham, UK: 11 January 2007: CultivAsian Conference

4.    New York City, USA: 13 January 2007: Inside Man Film Conference

5.    New Delhi, India: 11-14 January 2007: New Architecture and 
       Urbanism:
Development of Indian Traditions
6.    Addison, TX, USA: 17 January 2007: Comedy by Paul Varghese (headliner)

7.    Los Angeles, USA:  30 January 2007: Anurupa Roy puppetry for social change



Workshops:


1.     Van Nuys, USA: Saturdays from January 20- March 10, 2007 2pm-6pm, Final
        Public Showing (required): March 10, 2007: Performance Workshop for Women
        of Color, with Kristina Wong.

2.     San Francisco, USA: Mondays, January 22 - April 2, 2007 Two Truths and a Lie:
        Writing Creative Non-Fiction a 10-week writing workshop with Bushra Rehman
3.     Bali, Indonesia: Gamelan Music and Dance Summer Institute, Ju ly 2007,
        application deadline 5 January 2007, or until enrollment filled.



Check it out:

1. In Plainspeak, Issue 4, publication
2. New Website for South Asian Film: www.jaman.com


Calls for Applications/Submissions/Work


1.       Call for writings and photography international journal of literary nonfiction.
          
Los
Angeles, USA, deadline, 5 January 2007

2.       Call for Literary and Visual Arts Submissions, SCRIPTS.
         
Mumbai, India, deadline
7 January 2007

3.       JOB- coordinator, National Poetry Day.
         
London, UK, deadline, 12 January 2007

4.       Tasveer Film Festival Call for Submissions.
         
Seattle, USA, deadline: 15 January
2007

5.       Call for Submissions: ITCH.
          Los Angeles, USA, deadline: 15 January 2007

6.      Job Vacancies at India Foundation for the Arts.
          Bangalore, India, deadline 15 January 2007

7.       Entry Call Cinedans International dance Filmfestival.
         
Amsterdam, NL,
deadline: 20 January, 2007.

8.       Call for Papers, The Ethninc Memoir.
         
Philadelphia, USA, deadline 26 January
2007

9.       Call for Films: Outfest. Los Angeles, USA, early deadline: 26 January 2007, final
          deadline 31 March 2007

10.     Performing arts funding opportunities.
         
UK, various January deadlines

11.     Call for Submissions, Playwright Residency and Playwrights Week 2007.
         
New York City, USA, deadline: 15  February 2007

12.     MAP: Multi-Arts Production Fund.
         
New York City, USA, deadline: 16 February
2007

13.     The Asian Arts Initiative invites Gallery Proposals for Spring 2007. 
        
Philadelphia, USA, rolling deadline



Detailed Listings:


Events:


1.    New York City, USA, January 2 - January 27, 2007 : solo art exhibit titled
       'Liberated'
by Asma Shikoh

at The Ceres Gallery, in New York City.

Opening reception: Saturday, January 6th, 2007, 2-4 pm, Show Dates: January 2 -- January 27, 2007, Gallery Hours: Tuesday - Saturday 12- 6
Location: The Ceres Gallery, 547 West 27th Street, New York, NY 10001

The show 'Liberated' is an exciting acrylics and mixed media interplay of popular icons and the 'hijab' (the head scarf adorned by Muslim women), highlighting the role of individual practices in the shaping of a unique national identity. The work includes personal involvement of more than a hundred Muslim women across America.


2.    San Francisco, USA, 6 January 2007, 8 pm : Himalayan Project/Oblique Brown
       Show
 


Canvas Gallery

1200 9th Avenue (at Lincoln)
San Francisco, California
US
Cost: $5

Description: Himalayan Project, Oblique Brown, Swap (Karmacy), DJ Diversify (Beatsauce) and others spinning til 2am.


3.    Birmingham, UK: Thursday 11th January 2007: Conform or Out: Your Shout
       conference


Vaughan Jeffries Lecture Theatre, Education Building, University of Birmingham,
10:15 -16:00.

see conference schedule at

http://www.cultivasian.org
/article/36/%22Conform+or+Out%3A+Your+Shout%22+conference .htm
   

To register please contact

CultivAsian via: email:eve...@cultuvasian.org
Tel: Vik on 07956 341375
The 1990 Trust: email: ru...@blink.uk.org, Tel: Ruhul on 07908 750748


4.    New York City, USA: 13 January 2007: Inside Man Film Conference

Brooklyn Young Filmmakers Center
    'INSIDE MAN' CONFERENCE
    How To Get Jobs in Film

co-sponsored by The New York City Housing Authority Resident Employment Services & The Workforce Development Center at NYC College of Technology

    SATURDAY, JANUARY 13, 2007, 10AM - 7PM, 2007
    $20 (prior to January 12, 2007), $25 (at the door) , REFRESHMENTS INCLUDED

    Location:
    Spike Lee Screening Room
    Long Island University - Brooklyn Campus

    TO REGISTER:
    in...@wearebyfc.inf
    (718) 935-0490

    The conference will open with a screening of Spike Lee's 'Inside Man' followed by workshops explaining how different departments worked on the film and informational panels on how to get started in film careers without going to college.


    www.wearbyfc. www.wearbyfc.org for information on BYFC classes 'In Assistant' and 'Intro to Scriptwriting' and sign up for our free email newsletter

5.    New Delhi, India, 11-14 January 2007: Conference: "New Architecture and
        Urbanism: Development of Indian Traditions"


 The conference aims to bring together strong voices from all corners of the country and the world, in an effort to retain and reinforce the belief in the strength and vitality of traditional building and urbanism, and for its promotion and usage in the development of mainstream architecture and urban design.


    Conference theme: Within India now, its globalized economy is based on the ideals of change and modernism.   This evolution into modernism initially came about on the premise of inclusivity, but has over time propagated a mass transnational culture to the ultimate exclusion of local identity.   This sense of loss of identity and tradition permeates art, culture, cuisine and lots more, and has led to a certain endemic cultural loss.

    All around us, we see symbols of a dislocated rootless global paradigm dominating our skylines.   Our built environment shapes our sense of self, our sense of place, our reverence of our past and our traditions.   Building traditions have modified and evolved with the social, economic and cultural needs of the age.   Tradition in building serves us in creating a balance between nature and society, optimal utilization of natural resources and of local skills and craftsmanship.   As strong forces currently drive the creation of new architecture and urban design in India, the time is now or never to instill in this huge process a sense of "appropriateness" to the local context.
    http://www.intbau.org/indiantraditions.htm
.
 
6.    Addison, TX, USA: 17 January 2007, Comedy by Paul Varghese (headliner)

Improv Comedy Club
Doors open at 7; Show's at 8:30
www.improv.com  or  (972) 404-8501

7.    Los Angeles, USA:  30 January 2007, 4 pm-Anurupa Roy puppetry for social
       change


UCLA, Kaufman Hall, Amber Studio
Info:  (310) 835-3951

The UCLA Department of World Arts and Cultures presents Anurupa Roy, Director of Kat-Katha, a puppet troupe based in New Delhi, India.  Roy believes that puppetry is one of the most powerful tools available for initiating social change.  Her work addresses such issues as gender, conflict resolution, and AIDS awareness


Workshops :


1.    Van Nuys, USA: Saturdays from January 20- March 10, 2007 2pm-6pm, Final
       Public Showing (required): March 10, 2007,  Performance Workshop for Women
       of Color

 
When: Saturdays from January 20- March 10, 2007 2pm-6pm
Final Public Showing (required): March 10, 2007

Where: Mid-Valley YMCA, 6901 Lennox Ave, Van Nuys, CA 91405

Cost: $35 for all eight weeks! (Full and partial scholarships are available.)

To Register/ Questions: Participants must register with Kristina in advance by phone, 310-435-4817. Spaces are limited.

Because you are overflowing with stories yet to be told,
Because you don't get enough opportunities to roll around and make animal sounds at your cubicle,
Because you need more strong women of color in your life,
Because you owe it to yourself,
Because self-expression is sometimes our only means of psychic and cultural survival.

BECAUSE
An eight week performance workshop for Women of Color
Facilitated and led by Kristina Wong, with special guest artists

BECAUSE is a performance workshop for women of color to explore, find, and exercise their right to be creative and self-express. BECAUSE is focused on creative process and over product. We'll play with movement, dance, symbolism, ritual, text, site specific work and visual art to find our own unique creative voices. We will dig deep into the stories located within our flesh, histories and daily lives and find the stories we share as women of color. BECAUSE encourages the building of a supportive creative community among women of color and reckless experimentation across the lines of artistic mediums, genres and styles.

No experience is required, only being open to the workshop process. The workshops culminate in an informal public showing.
Participants must commit to the entire workshop process and final showing. This workshop is open to all adult women of color. There are no restrictions of age, sexual orientation, or physical ability.

Master Classes led by Guest Artists:
Paul Zaloom (puppetry) http://www.paulzaloom.com
Shyamala Moorty (dance) http://www.shyamalamoorty.net
Anida Yoeu Esguerra (movement/writing) http://www.atomicshogun.com

About Kristina Wong (Facilitator/Leader):
Kristina Wong is a solo performer, writer, filmmaker, actor, activist and educator. Wong's third solo show Wong Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest recently premiered to sold out crowds in the Bay Area and received support from the Creative Capital Foundation and the National Performance Network. More information on her is available at http://www.kristinawong.com .

BECAUSE is made possible through an Artist-in-Residence Award from the City of Los Angeles' Department of Cultural Affairs.

2.    San Francisco, USA: Mondays, January 22 - April 2, 2007: Two Truths and a Lie:
       Writing Creative Non-Fiction a 10-week writing workshop with Bushra Rehman


All ten sessions meet Mondays, 7 - 9pm, at KSW's space, 180 Capp Street, @17th Street, San Francisco. The workshop will not meet on Monday, February 19th, 2007.

Class Description:

Writing from life can be a tricky business. There are people to protect, faulty memories of events, and the pitfalls of self-censorship and self-aggrandizement. This is where creative non-fiction comes in. It's a form of writing that is drawn from real life, but employs techniques of poetry and fiction. Permission is given to veer from the facts, to change names and the order of happenings, to start with a true story and end it the way it should have ended. Creative non-fiction recognizes that our lives are too rich not to write about, but that our imaginations are too strong to ignore.

In this class, we will write by drawing on memory, family myth, and the truth and lies of our lives. We will cover literary techniques such as character, dialogue, setting and story arc, as well as performance. We as a collective will give ourselves permission not only to share our life stories, but to re-write them into the stories we want them to be.
 
About the instructor:

Bushra Rehman's mother says Bushra was born in an ambulance flying through the streets of Brooklyn. Her father is not so sure. Since there are no definitive records of the time of her birth, there is no real way of knowing, but it would explain a few things. Bushra is a vagabond poet who traveled for years with nothing more than a
 greyhound ticket and a book bag full of poems. Now, she performs her poetry regularly in theaters and colleges around the country. Lately, she's been spending her time flying through the streets of Oakland and Brooklyn, writing an on the road adventure novel for Muslim girls.
 
Bushra is co-editor of the anthology Colonize This! Young Women of Color on Today's Feminism (Seal Press, 2002) which has been adopted as essential reading material in women's studies and ethnic studies classes around the United States. She has been featured in The New York Times and NY Newsday and her work has appeared in ColorLines, Mizna, Curve, SAMAR, and Bottomfish. Her writing is forthcoming in Writing the Lines of Our Hands: An Anthology of South Asian American Poetry (Creative Arts Press), Voices of Resistance: Muslim Women on War, Faith and Sexuality (Seal Press)and Stories of Illness and Healing: Women Write Their Bodies (Kent State University Press).
 
Registration fee is $215 regular, $195 for KSW members. Class is capped at 14 registrants; first come, first serve basis. To register with credit card, please click on one of the buttons below. To register by check, please send a check or money order for full amount to KSW, 180 capp street #5, san francisco, ca 94110, and include your full name and contact info:

    http://kearnystreet.org/programs/calendar/2007_01.html#22

3. Bali, Indonesia: Gamelan Music and Dance Summer Institute: www.cudamani.org
    Two week program: July 2-13: Three week program: July 2-20, Application deadline
    5 January 2007 or until enrollment filled

For the first time, internationally acclaimed Çudamani ensemble will invite a select group of 35 individuals from around the world to participate in a rigorous study of Balinese Music and Dance in Pengosekan.

APPLICATION: online submissions - www.cudamani.org
Fees: 2 weeks $1,400. 3 weeks $1,950. Includes instruction, shared housing, breakfast, lunch, and excursions. Discount airfare available.
Non-refundable application fee of $25.

In addition to intensive classes with master artists/teachers, the program will include: visits to temple ceremonies and sacred sites; observations of a wide range of performances including Çudamani rehearsals; and daily encounters with the local artists and the community. This program is a rare opportunity for participants to be a part of one of the most vibrant and creative cultures in the world.
 
Çudamani has provided gamelan and dance instruction to hundreds of young people over their nine years of work in Pengosekan. To their credit they are one of the few organizations in Bali that teachers gamelan to girls--a realm that until recently, was reserved for males. The company's technical accomplishments on the seven-toned Semaranandana are unparalleled and their musical versatility is respected in educational circles and sought after by major American composers such as Evan Ziporyn of MIT and Michael Tenzer from the University of British Columbia. Çudamani and its members have toured Italy, Greece, Japan, and the U.S. In 2001, Çudamani received a grant from the Ford Foundation for their work in preservation, innovation, and education.

Artistic Team
I Dewa Putu Berata: Program Music Director
Emiko Saraswati Susilo: Institute Dance Director
 
Bring your children to Bali: The Institute is considering a parallel program for the children of participants. For more info call: +1-310-206-1335


4.
San Francisco, USA: Call for Applicants: Intergenerational Writing Lab, deadline 19
    January 2007


INTERGENERATIONAL WRITERS LAB 2007 CALL FOR APPLICATIONS

*CALL FOR APPLICATIONS *
The 4th Intergenerational Writers Lab (IWL) 2007
A program of Galería de la Raza, Kearny Street Workshop, & Intersection
for the Arts

*A unique program with three of SF's oldest arts organizations to thoroughly explore and develop your writing. Accepted applicants will participate in workshops led by accomplished writers, have the opportunity to perform/read work at public events, and be published in a
new chapbook.*

For more information, please contact either:
Samantha Chanse, Artistic Director, Kearny Street Workshop, 415.503.0520
s...@kearnystreet.org, www.kearnystreet.org
Rebeka Rodriguez, Program Director, Intersection for the Arts, 415.626.2787 ext106
reb...@theintersection.org, www.theintersection.org
Marc Piñate, Program Manager, Galería de la Raza, 415.826.8009
marcp...@galeriadelaraza.org, www.galeriadelaraza.org

*To request a copy of the IWL 2007 Application Form via email,
fax, or snail mail, please contact KSW. *

For more information on KSW please contact Kearny Street Workshop at k...@somarts.org; 415.503.0520.  or check out our website at  www.kearnystreet.org.


We are looking for local (SF Bay Area) emerging writers who wish to develop and expand their writing skills by experimenting with new forms and taking risks in creative expression. Selected participants will participate in nine workshop sessions of three hours duration each (all workshop sessions will take place on Saturday afternoons) and will have the opportunity to attend and participate in the four public events at Galería, KSW & Intersection. Writers need not be published, but must demonstrate a consistent pursuit of literary arts and a deep interest in participating in an experimental writing program.

TO APPLY:
Please submit the following:


  1. An IWL 2007 application form (Contact KSW for an application form);
  2. Writing sample, 12 point & double-spaced, not to exceed 7 pages;
  3. A description of why you want to enroll in the IWL program, not to exceed 500 words.
  4. A submission fee of $10 (check or money order made out to Kearny Street Workshop). Please note: submission fees are used to cover artist fees, chapbook publication, and partial and full scholarships. Submission fees may be waived on as-need basis, and per applicant request. To request a submission fee waiver, please contact KSW.

Please submit all materials to:
Kearny Street Workshop
Attention: IWL 2007
180 Capp Street, Box #5
San Francisco, CA 94110

TUITION & SCHOLARSHIPS:
The tuition for accepted IWL participants is $250- 350 sliding scale,
with two full scholarships available. Tuition levels will be determined on a case-by-case basis, based on individual participant needs. If you wish to be considered for a partial or full scholarship, please submi an additional description of your circumstances and why you believe you deserve a scholarship.



Check it out:


1. In Plainspeak: Debate. Analyze. Critique. Discuss. Learn. Write...    
...Art. Activism. Sexuality. Images. Rights

In Plainspeak...
In Plainspeak is published every quarter, electronically and in print.  You can visit our website and view the PDF and HTMLversion of In Plainspeak at the following link:  http://www.asiasrc.org/in plainspeak.php

The South and Southeast Asia Resource Centre on Sexuality is excited to announce the fourth issue in 2006 of In Plainspeak! As the name suggests,  In Plainspeak  talks about basic as well as complicated and even contentious issues of sexuality and rights in simple (but not simplistic) language, in the hope that this will increase dialogue and debate on these issues in the South and Southeast Asia region.

We hope that it facilitates a critical dialogue amongst us - activists, health professionals, students, academics, researchers and anyone interested in issues of sexuality in our region. Because sexuality encompasses a wide spectrum of issues, In Plainspeak includes writing and images on a range of topics from a sexuality-affirming and feminist perspective.


2.
New Website about South Asian films: www.jaman.com

    SAIFF proudly introduces you to Jaman, the premier internet community bringing South Asian films to you online.

    It's Easy: Click, Sign In, and Enjoy the Show
    Simply click on the link below, register, browse the South Asia Channel and GO… Check out and comment on world class films including Black, Paheli, Raincoat, Calcutta Mail, Choker Bali and more. Jaman is a great place to meet people that are as passionate about cinema as you are.  Spark a discussion, join a group where you share your insights, and generally mix it up on all things related to South Asian cinema!

    Do you Know a Great Filmmaker?
    If you're a SA filmmaker or know a filmmaker whose work simply must be seen, you can submit your film to the Jamanwallah film contest to win a professional Panasonic Camcorder and featured distribution through the Jaman network, by clicking: http://www.jaman.com/jamanwallah/index.html

    Jaman is building the largest collection of South Asian films online. Join the beta and tell them what you think!

    Click the link below to start the Jaman experience:
    http://www.jaman.com/register.php?it=0pDIgwf4WNQw



Calls for Applications/Submissions/Work

1.    Call for writings and photography,  international journal of literary nonfiction.
      
Los Angeles, USA, d
eadline, 5 January 2007


GOT TRUTH?  THE TRUTH ABOUT THE FACT
    International Journal of Literary Nonfiction
    thetruthaboutthefact.com
    
INTERNATIONAL CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

    Nonfiction literary memoir, essay, commentary 1000-5000 words
    High quality, narrative, nonfiction poetry
    Black and white art and photography

    
    Submit via email: edi...@thetruthaboutthefact.com


2.    Call for contributions to Scripts.
       Mumbai, India, deadline: 7 January 2007


Call for contributions to SCRIPTS,
    the queer zine
    by Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA)
    Issue No. 10 "Mother"
    The last date for submissions is
    7th January, 2007.

Janani is Editor Rinki Bhattarcharya' s tribute to mothers, daughters and motherhood. An impressive collection of contributors, from Jasodhara Bagchi, Shashi Deshpande and Nabaneeta Dev Sen to danseuse Mallika Sarabai and painter Rekha Rodwittya, has contributed to the finely written book.

While several aspects of being and having a mother have been expressed in the book, there is no mention of queer women and their mothers or what it means to be a queer mother, or what it meant for a child to have a queer mother. 'Mother', whether adoptive, or step or biological has been defined in the domain of the biological woman. There is no reference to the hijra, kothi or gay man as mother. There is no mention of how it must be for a child to have two lesbian mothers or what it means to be a single lesbian mother… The combinations that may be achieved when one ceases to see the world in hetero-normative binaries are vast and dynamic. When asked why they had left out the queer voice, Rinki smiled and said, "That is a book in itself and I hope that someone who knows more about the subject will write it." Then in a just bought copy of her book she inscribed, "Hope your book gets written."
 
This, then, is a small attempt to address the possibilities of that book getting written. It's a big task to address a subject as monumental as 'mother' that is mythology in itself. In a queer context it can perhaps fill several issues of SCRIPTS to come. Our desire is to put together some writings, musings, reflections, memories, from a queer perspective, on a subject that has shaped our entire lives.

To explore mother as a concept, as an ideal, an icon, the good mother, the bad mother, the step mother, the fairy godmother, the Godmother, the woman with the womb, the woman without it…the genesis of life, the absence of it…. We hope to encourage a variety of writing that moves beyond notions of mother that are defined by the binaries of gender and sex.

What does the word 'mother' evoke? A swarm of conflicting ideas, clichés, emotions, memories of wounds and precious moments all swim to the surface in one overwhelming surge. All of us have had mothers past and present, dreamed or real, and here we encourage people to relish what has become an integral part of all our existences. How the presence or absence of the mother image has had a part to play in our lives and loves as queer people. How we have often to redefine that idea of mother for ourselves.
   
If the mother is usually the first adult to be put on a pedestal, she is also the first to be toppled from it. Mother is the first wall we bang against, the first being whose sexuality is wrapped around us like a protective blanket. We have held mother so close that often she is neutered and no longer a sexual being. Her breasts spewing milk are so wholesome they are seen as desexualized.
   
Do we dare talk of our Oedipal side as queer women? If Freud is to be believed, the lesbian woman 'may not become resigned to her castrated state, hiding from herself the absence of the penis and remaining fixed on her mother for whom she is ever seeking substitutes.' Freud also reasoned that gay men like Leonardo da Vinci who lack strong male figures model themselves on their mothers and seek in their partners a strong father figure… giving the term 'Who's your daddy?' a whole different sexual aura. Strange that we never hear such innuendo towards mummy who remains shrouded in her chaste casket, like a venerated Pharaoh, sacred but sexually dead.

    But what does the queer mother feel about her daughter/son/ trans/ child's lovers/partners? What are the dynamics when two women face each other 'competing' for the attentions of daughter/lover? Or does that ever happen? Does the mother of a queer son feel even more pampered because she has not one but two sons? Or does she trade beauty tips with her son's lover?

Last but not the least, do queer partners mother each other? Do queer people look out for mother figures—maushis, maas, ammas—among their friends and in their community? Do we cuddle and stroke our friends with maternal love? What are these lines that we cross daily and do we even want to define them?
  
The arena is open. Join us.
   
Guidelines for Submissions

Please remember that this issue is open to all queer and queer friendly folks, the theme is the thing.
 
For Literary submissions: Poetry, prose, essays, letters, scribbles, fiction – all are welcome.

    Submissions must be sent by email as text, or as word document attachments. While we welcome hand written works also, it is infinitely easier if you can send them as word documents or typed. You can send us hand-written documents by post mail or scan them and send them to us as TIFF files (though we must admit that this hasn't worked so far due to the quality of the scanning and the length of the submissions).

    Submissions must not exceed 1000 words.

    We are especially seeking literary contributions in Hindi, Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati, Urdu or any other regional languages. We would, in fact, like to reserve 20% of the pages of this issue towards work in Indian languages other than English. Works will be printed in their original language. Wherever possible please send us word documents with the font used, and an English translation transcript along, especially if you would like it printed along with the original language piece.

 Safety. Many people may not feel comfortable or safe publishing their writings under their names. If you so wish we will be willing to publish your work under  your pseudonym as well. If there are any other precautions that you would like us to take, kindly alert us of the same.

    For Visual arts submissions: Photographs, sketches, drawings, paintings, doodles – are all welcome. Kindly send us your work scanned as TIFF files in high resolution by e-mail, burnt on CD-R's, as Xeroxes or copies by post-mail. PLEASE DO NOT SEND ORIGINAL ARTWORKS.
 
Safety. Again please specify under which name the artworks should be printed.

    What other info do we need from you?
    *Kindly send in your submissions clearly marked with the name of the writer/artist. We also encourage you to send a brief write up along with the work if you would like to give it some background.

    *Do send us a very brief 2 line Bio which we can publish at the end of the book as a note on contributors. Again, if for issues of anonymity and safely you chose not to send this to us, we will understand.

    *Some kind of postal address so we can send you a copy of the printed zine. What we can do in return for your precious contributions (besides sending you a copy and ensuring as wide a distribution as possible)?

    *Copyright for all accepted contributions will remain with the authors. We do not reserve any right to place any of the accepted material for any other publication without the prior written permission of the authors/artists.

    Address for submissions:
    labialist@yahoo. com
    Postal address:
    LABIA/Stree Sangam
    P. O. Box No. 16613
    Matunga, Bombay 400 019.

    And finally a bit about us:

Lesbians and Bisexuals in Action (LABIA), formerly known as Stree Sangam, is an autonomous, non-funded collective of lesbian, transgender and bisexual women. LABIA is a campaign and activist group with a focus on queer and feminist activism. We have been in existence in Bombay since 1995. Our activities have included networking with individual queer women as well as queer groups in India and in other countries, campaigning for the rights of peoples and communities of marginalised genders and sexualities with other like minded groups, and organising jointly with the struggles of other marginalised groups, feminist and people's movements. LABIA intends to further this activism and sees SCRIPTS as a vibrant space for multiple conversations of queer/feminist/ activist/creative voices

3.    JOB- CO-ORDINATOR, NATIONAL POETRY DAY,
      
London, UK:
deadline, Friday 12 January 2007

Reply to: lo...@colmangetty.co.
Fixed term contract for two years
Annual fee: £15,000
Approximately two days per week

National Poetry Day is the biggest celebration of poetry in the UK.
Held every year in early October, NPD was launched in 1994 by William Sieghart working in partnership with The Poetry Society, ACE and Colman Getty.  It played a vital role in transforming the poetry landscape of the UK.  Over the years, partnerships have been created with all sorts of organisations around the country, from the BBC, schools, pubs and clubs, to local literary and arts festivals.

National Poetry Day is now administered through The Forward Arts Foundation and is partially funded by a three-year grant from Arts Council England.   The Foundation has ambitious plans to build on this very tangible success of NPD and bring poetry to an even wider section of the British public.

The Forward Arts Foundation is seeking a part-time co-ordinator to develop and expand the reach of National Poetry Day.

The co-ordinator would be expected to:

* Act as a passionate advocate for NPD and co-ordinate activity across the UK, linking with arts, community and leisure organisations, schools and retailers, and developing a broader audience for NPD, specifically encompassing new media new technology
* Work with Act IV (NPD's fundraising and sponsorship agency), Colman Getty and The Poetry Society to create an NPD business plan, as outlined by ACE
* Manage the ongoing relationship with ACE
* Manage the NPD budget
* Co-ordinate steering group meetings
* Take responsibility for the design and management of the NPD website and online development
* Produce a quarterly e-bulletin (to go monthly from July to October)
* Oversee the production by the Poetry Society of the NPD education resource pack
* Liaise with Act IV over fundraising and sponsorship
* Liaise with Colman Getty in matters relating to PR
* Organise the Poet-in-Residence with the Poetry Society
* Co-ordinate the promotion of NPD to libraries and book retailers
* Co-ordinate the design and supply of all supporting marketing materials

Please apply in writing with your CV to:

Lois Tucker
Colman Getty
28 Windmill Street
London W1T 2JJ

mailto: lo...@colmangetty.co.uk
Closing date: Friday 12 January 2007

4.     Tasveer Film Festival Call for Submissions,
        
Seattle, US:
deadline: 15 January 2007

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Tasveer, an independent film organization in Seattle, seeks short films, experimental films, documentaries, and narratives of any length for submission for "Aaina: South Asian Women Film Focus".

If you would like to submit your film, please include the following info along with a vhs ntsc/dvd preview copy: title of film, brief synopsis, length of film, production year, country, previous screenings, filmmaker bio, and contact information and send to our
mailing address:

    Tasveer, 9053 36th Ave South, Seattle, WA 98118.
    Deadline for submissions is January 15th, 2007.
    If you have any questions, email in...@tasveer.org .
    Website: www.tasveer.org.

The event will take place in Seattle in March 2006 on the occasion of International Women's Month. Film themes must have primary focus on issues pertaining to South Asian women (living anywhere in the world). "South Asia" includes Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and Tibet.


5.    Call for submissions to itch #4! Subject:  E v i d e n c e
      
Los Angeles, USA: deadline: 15 January 2007

How might we record our efforts, in a way that might inspire new ways of thinking about art, or living in general?
thoughts from the itch generator:

    How might we act as our own historians?…

        Capture the ephemeral. define it, serenade it, critique it, massage it in to being…
            Create an unprecedented moment or scenario that can be documented…
               Consider, through action, what it means to be controversial, proactive, performative…
                 Invent scenarios that intervene in the everyday…
                  Be the see-er and notice what goes unnoticed…
                       Be the seen and challenge inappropriate view-er-ship…
                           Make history. interview a mentor or other artist that you--
                                                    or other people would like to get to know…
                                    Start a dialogue (or fight) across disciplines, desires, aesthetics, politics, etc…
                                         Make a scene…

    For the fourth issue of itch we are asking for submissions that are evidence of an experience, process, intervention, or experiment. Please submit a transcription, description and/or translation of an event you created, witnessed, or facilitated. Documents (drawings, receipts, maps, equations, still images, etc) may accompany your submission, keeping in mind it must be small scale and legible in black and white photocopy. As always, experimentation is welcomed.


    Also, for our rolling dialogue section, please submit your responses to issue #3: Systems of Support.

    
    send submissions to tpb...@hotmail.com . Further questions, concerns, etc can also be sent to tpb...@hotmail.com .
    
    coming soon.... itch website.
www.myspace.com/anatomyriot

    itch is an evolving art project in the form of a journal that aspires to serve the community of dancers and other artists of the Los Angeles area and beyond. Practice participation in the developing LA dance culture: insert your thoughts, your body, your voice. help itch grow should you be enhanced by it...


6.    Bangalore, India: vacancies at IFA, deadline, 15 January 2007


INDIA FOUNDATION FOR THE ARTS
Vacancy for six positions

India Foundation for the Arts (IFA), Bangalore is looking for a Programme Executive, a Head of Programmes, a Head of Finance, a Manager: Public Relations, a Manager: Individual Membership and Arts Services, and a Graphic Designer

About IFA

IFA makes grants nationwide for research and documentation in the arts, arts education, extending arts practice and new performances. Please visit IFA's website ( www.indiaifa.org) for further information.



The deadline for receipt of all applications is January 15, 2007.
Applicants should include a detailed resume, a statement of their interest in this position, and any supporting documents.

Applications labelled with the relevant code should be addressed to:

The Executive Director
India Foundation for the Arts
Tharangini, 12th Cross, Raj Mahal Vilas Extension
Bangalore - 560 080
Tel: 080-2361-0583/84

Or sent by email to cont...@indiaifa.org



7.    Entry Call Cinedans International dance Filmfestival.
      
Amsterdam, NL: deadline: January 20, 2007.

You can find our entry form plus details at www.cinedans.nl/> entry 2007

   
We are looking for dance films within the following categories: animation, choreography made for screen, documentary, shorts, and experimental, abstract or narrative titles.
Performance videos are not considered but adaptations of existing stage performances are welcomed.

    Good Luck!
    Cinedans team

8 .    Call for Papers, Working Title: Ethnic Memoir.
      
Philadelphia, USA, deadline, 26 January 2007


Proposed Panel for ASA 2007 (American Studies Association)
Abstract Deadline: January 26, 2007
Conference: Oct. 11-14, 2007, in Philadelphia, PA

This proposed panel will look at the way memoirs written by American writers of various ethnic backgrounds correct and supplement historical accounts of their personal, group, and familial experiences. Philip J. Deloria, director of the program in American Culture at the University of Michigan, will chair the session. We are currently looking for 2 other panelists (traditional 20-min./10-pg. paper) and a commentator for the session. Please email abstracts of 250-300 words OR a statement of interest w/CV if you would like to do commentary for the session to Gene Gorman, Boston College (gormange_at_bc.edu) by 1/22/07.


9.    Call for Films, Videos, Screenplays, Outfest.
         Los Angeles, USA: deadline, 26 January 2007

Now accepting film/video AND screenplay submissions for Outfest 2007 and the Outfest Screenwriting Program. You can apply online through Without-a-Box via www.outfest.org

OUTFEST SCREENWRITING LAB
deadline for submissions: January 26, 2007

OUTFEST 2007: THE 25TH LOS ANGELES GAY & LESBIAN FILM FESTIVAL (July 12-23, 2007)
early deadline: January 26, 2007
final deadline: March 9, 2007

10.   Assorted Arts funding opportunities
        UK, various January deadlines

The Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship (Dance)

deadline: 25 January 2007

The Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund supports individual journeys in movement and dance and enables movement and dance practitioners to travel to enrich their practice and pursue a personal passion. The aim of this small charity is to provide financial support to individuals who wish to travel abroad or in the United Kingdom to attend a conference, to pursue a research project or undertake a short course of study in the field of movement or dance.

Application forms and further details are available by sending an A5 SAE to: The Secretary, Lisa Ullmann Travelling Scholarship Fund, 24 Cuppin Street, Chester, CH1 2BN or visit www.ullmann-trav.fsnet.co.uk.

The Fenton Arts Trust

The Fenton Arts Trust aims to give encouragement and financial support to those actively contributing to the creative arts in the UK. It seeks to assist, through grants and bursaries, individuals and groups who are making a worthwhile contribution to the artistic and cultural life of the country. The Fenton Arts Trust grants are available to support individual works, activities, performances or prizes in the fields of drama, painting, sculpture, ballet, music and poetry. The Trust has three objectives:

(i) to support final year or postgraduate students through the award of scholarships or bursaries,
(ii) to provide grants which will support or reward work or performance by individuals early in their careers, and
(iii) to provide grants for institutions or organisations which have the same aims.

For further details and to download an application form, visit www.moxie.u-net.com/fentonar ts.

Paul Getty Jr Charitable Trust

The Trust aims to fund projects to alleviate poverty and misery in general, and unpopular causes in particular, within the U.K. The emphasis is on self-help and enabling people to reach their potential. The Trustees favour small community and local projects which make good use of volunteers. There are four main beneficial areas: Social Welfare, Therapeutic Use of the Arts, Conservation and the Environment.

Grants are usually in the £5-15,000 range, for both capital and revenue. Those for salaries or running costs can be repeated on an annual basis for a maximum of 3 years. Applications are processed all the time, and three months is the least it usually takes to award a grant. Some small grants of up to £2,000 are also made in between the quarterly trustee meetings. For more information on how to apply, visit www.jpgettytrust.org.uk or phone 0207 486 1859.

Rupert Rhymes Bursary

deadline: Wednesday 31 January 2007

Stage One is now accepting applications for the Rupert Rhymes Bursary. This award is aimed at those in the early stages of a career in theatre production or administration. The bursary was founded as an opportunity to provide successful candidates with a unique opportunity to do something that is not catered for by other bursary schemes, through a financial award of £2,000. Further information, including application details, can be found at www.stageone.uk.com/bursaries .htm or by e-mailing enqu...@stageone.uk.com .

NESTA Launches New Initiative

deadline: 22 January 2007

NESTA, the National Endowment for Science, Technology and the Arts, has launched a new initiative entitled 'Starter for 6'. Working in partnership with the Six Cities Design Festival and Highlands & Islands Enterprise, 'Starter for 6' will build the enterprise skills of up to 300 budding entrepreneurs working in Scotland across science, technology and the creative industries, as well as providing start-up grants.

Training activity will focus on six city areas: Aberdeen, Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, Inverness and Stirling, although applications will be accepted from any part of Scotland. The project will provide follow-on bespoke support, mentoring and the opportunity to apply for a small start-up grant of between £5,000 to £10,000. Applications can be made by either individuals or teams. The deadline for applications to the Idea Generation Workshops is 22nd January 2007. The deadline for full applications to the 'Starter for 6' programme of training is 12th February 2007. For more information, visit http://www.nesta.org.uk/programmes/starter_for_6/index.aspx or e-mail starte...@nesta.org.uk .

.

__,_._,___

11.   CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS - PLAYWRIGHT RESIDENCY AND PLAYWRIGHTS WEEK 2007.

        
New York City, USA:
deadline: 15  February 2007

SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA PROGRAM
The Lark Play Development Center and the Indo-American Arts Council Seek Applicants for Two Programs: IAAC Playwright Residency and Playwrights' Week

    The Lark Play Development Center and the Indo-American Arts Council are seeking playwrights from the South Asian Diaspora for Playwrights' Week and a year-long Playwright Residency Program to commence in September, 2007.

    The selected IAAC Playwright-in-Residence will receive:

    a.. $1000 Honorarium,

    b.. Three roundtables, led by Lark leadership and professional directors and actors, to develop a new play during the 2007-08 Season,

    c.. Complimentary seats to all Lark readings and public performances. The IAAC Playwright-in-Residence is expected to become an active member of the Lark community by attending at least one Lark event each month. Active participation will enable the Playwright-in-Residence to exchange ideas with peer and established writers in a meaningful way.
    The selected IAAC Playwrights' Week winner will receive:

    a.. Inclusion in the Lark's 2007 Playwrights' Week Festival- a weeklong event focused on developing new and unheard voices for the theatre through targeted outreach efforts, growth opportunities for playwrights and theatre artists, and organized forums for community discussion,

    b.. Creative teams, including a director and actors, and ten hours of rehearsal time,

    c.. A public reading to address specific developmental goals.
    ABOUT THE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THE LARK AND
    THE INDO-AMERICAN ARTS COUNCIL

    The Lark and the Indo-American Arts Council began collaborating in 1999 when IAAC Executive Director, Aroon Shivdasani, approached the Lark to discuss the ways and means to support voices from the South Asian Diaspora community in the theater. The two organizations have collaborated annually on outreach to playwrights and theater artists locally and nationally. Together, the Lark and the IAAC have produced three South Asian Diaspora Playwright Festivals. This has resulted in artistic support for 14 South Asian Diaspora play projects at the Lark in the past five years, many of which have moved on to theaters around the country including Mixed Blood Theater, Center Theatre Group, East-West Players, RASA, and the Public Theater.


    This initiative is made possible with public funds from the National Endowment for the Arts and from the New York State Council on the Arts, a State Agency.
    SOUTH ASIAN DIASPORA PROGRAM
    Submission Deadline: February 15, 2007

    All submissions must include: a completed application form, a statement of purpose (described below), and one full-length play.

    APPLICATION FORM
    For which program are you submitting your work? (Please circle one or both)
    Playwrights' Week Playwriting Residency
    Personal Information
    Playwright Name (Last, First): __________________________________________________________
    Representation (Name of company and agent if applicable): ___________________________________

    Mailing Address: __________________________________________________________

    Daytime Phone: ____________________________ Evening Phone: ____________________________

    Email: ________________________ Fax: _______________________

    Payment Information
    A $20 submission fee is required for all submissions. What is your method of payment?

Please circle one. (Checks preferred)
    Check (Number:_______________________ )
    Cash
    Mastercard
    Visa
    American Express
    Name as it appears on card: _______________________
    Card number: __________________________________
    Expiration date: _________________________________
    This fee offsets the costs of the submission process. It has been our policy to consider fee waivers for those playwrights experiencing undue financial hardship. Should this be your situation, please include a signed statement to this effect. Requesting a fee waiver will not affect your chances of being selected.
    Play Information
    Synopsis: (Please limit to 2-3 sentences) __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

    Number of Actors required: Male___________ Female___________

    Please list any prior development work and/or productions this play may have had:
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

    How did you hear about the Lark and/or the South Asian Diaspora Program?
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

    Have you ever had your work presented and/or developed at the Lark? If yes, please explain:
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

    Biography:
    Tell us more about yourself. Be sure to include occupation, training, and/or any awards you've received. (Use separate sheet if necessary)
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________
    __________________________________________________________

    Please attach a STATEMENT OF PURPOSE which addresses why you are interested in being selected for as a participant in Playwrights' Week and/or the IAAC Playwright-in-Residence program and how you and your work would benefit from development time at the Lark.

    Submission Checklist:
    One completed application form
    Statement of Purpose
    One full length play
    $20 submission fee (For Playwrights' Week submissions only)
    Please make checks payable to the Lark Play Development Center.

    Mail submissions to:
    Lark Play Development Center
    c/o Middle Eastern Diaspora Program
    939 8th Avenue, Suite 301
    New York, NY 10019

    PLEASE NOTE:
    We prefer scripts bound in clear front report covers with fasteners. (No hard cover binders, permanent spiral binding, or unbound scripts.)
    Submit single sided scripts only.

    If you have any questions or would like more information please email Literary Associate, Andrea Hiebler: And...@larktheatre.org .


    DEMOGRAPHIC QUESTIONNAIRE

    Please take a moment and fill in the information requested below. This questionnaire is not a part of the application and will not affect the review of your play. Your response will be kept confidential by Lark staff and will be used to monitor our diversity outreach efforts to support program growth.

    Sex (Please circle one): Male ______________ Female ___________________

    Age Range (Please circle one):
    Under 20
    20-29
    30-50
    Over 50

    Race or Ethnicity: _________________________________________

    Citizenship: _____________________________________________

    Country of Origin: _________________________________________


12.    The Multi-Arts Production Fund.
          New York City, USA: deadlilne: 16 February 2007

2007 Guidelines, Eligibility Requirements and Online Application are now available @ mapfund.org
   
Create an account and begin your application @ apply.mapfund.org

    2007 Application Deadline: Friday, February 16, 2007


13.    The Asian Arts Initiative invites Gallery Proposals for Spring 2007.
        
Philadelphia, USA: rolling deadline

    "Our Space Is Your Space"
    Imagine the unimagined.

    Before the Gilbert Building is demolished due to the Convention Center expansion, take advantage of the space while it's here!  Send us a proposal to curate a show, exhibit your artwork, and/or create an installation any time through May 2007 when we plan to move Selected proposals will also be considered for our new Gallery space opening in Fall 2007.

    No Deadline. Proposals will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
    *You will be contacted within one month after we receive your application.
    
    Floors, walls and ceilings are open to your medium of choice.  Available space includes: main gallery space, offices, hallways, and restrooms!  Our main gallery walls are currently painted with a mural, but changes may be possible. Note: Large-scale installations must be mindful of administrative and program activities that take place in our space.
    
    The greatest resource we are offering is space for your imagination! It will be your responsibility to coordinate the installation or hanging of work. The Asian Arts Initiative may provide a nominal supply budget toward your project; and will provide publicity and support for at least one public event or reception related to your project.

    Sneak Peak!


    To Apply:                                              
    Please submit the following:

       1. Your name, address, phone number, and e-mail address.
       2. Description of proposed project (3 pg max) articulating your artistic vision, materials budget, and specific site requirements for your installation/project.
       3. Artistic resume (up to 5 pgs)
       4. Work samples of similar work.  CD ROM with 10-20 images labeled with titles, medium, & dimensions (1240 x 1240 ppi/dpi max) or up to 10 min of video documentation.  Include separate numbered image list or description.
       5. A self-addressed stamped envelope for return of materials.


    Please Send To:
    Asian Arts Initiative: Gallery
    Attn: Rana Sindhikara
    1315 Cherry St., 2nd floor Philadelphia, PA 19107

    For more information contact Rana Sindhikara at ra...@asianartsinitiative.org or 215.557.0455
    www.asianartsinitiative.org

    *       *       *       *       *

    The Asian Arts Initiative is grounded in the belief that the arts can provide an important political and cultural voice for the Asian American community in Philadelphia. We serve as a community arts center where artists and everyday people are developing means to express our diverse experiences as Asian Americans.

    1315 Cherry Street, 2nd Floor, Philadelphia, PA 19107
    (215)557-0455 | in...@asianartsinitiative.org
    <http://asianartsinitiative.org >




* Disclaimer: Information is not verified and included in good faith*


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www.postnatyam.net

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