WHO WE ARE
The Indy Convergence is a non-profit Indianapolis arts organization dedicated to the growth of artists nationally and locally.
WHAT WE DO
Once a year, the Indy Convergence brings together a group of professional artists from around the country. The group and the artistic genres represented vary each year. The only thing that does not vary is the caliber of the artists accepted. We seek out professional artists with a passion for exploration and a unique talent or approach that will contribute to the ensemble. The goal of the Convergence is for working artists to gather, collaborate, learn, share, and teach.
Over a ten day period each artist:
- Participates in one wholly collaborative “Umbrella Project”
- Works on one or more personal “Side Projects”
- Teaches at least one “Workshop” in their field of expertise.
- The Indy Convergence concludes with a culminating presentation where work is shared in an open lab environment. All workshops and events are open to the public and free of charge.
- At the core of the Indy Convergence we are “artists at work” — at work in our community and at work with one another.
WHAT TO EXPECT AS A PARTICIPANT
You remember those last few weeks of college? You had late night rehearsals, early morning study groups, four papers due and still found time to get in a few farewell parties with your friends. When you look back it’s this big beautiful blur that you wouldn’t trade for anything in the world…. It’s kinda like that.
Indy Convergence is designed to bring artists out of their comfort zones while providing an atmosphere of encouragement and camaraderie. If you are a director you will be asked to act, if you are a dancer you may find yourself singing. The reasons for this are two fold:
- We believe letting go of fear and broadening your experience is a never ending and vital part of being an artist
- Learning how to collaborate with a small and diverse group of artists will give you the tools to self produce when you return home.
Participating in The Indy Convergence will provide an opportunity to form relationships with professional artists from around the country and remind you just how much can be accomplished when artists put their minds to it. The most honest thing we can tell you is, “You will be tired, it will push your limits, and we are all in it together.”
FAQ
What is an Umbrella Project?
The Umbrella Project is an interdisciplinary collaborative piece in which everyone participates. It tends to center around a theme or specific source material.
What is a Side Project?
Side projects are the individual pieces that participants choose to work on. For the most part each participant leads one side project calling on the ensemble to help them bring it to fruition.
What is a Workshop?
Workshops give Indy Convergence the ability to connect with the community and learn from each others strengths. Each participant leads a class or exploration in their area of expertise. Past Workshops have included contact improv, opera for beginners, Shakespeare for children and even editing techniques.
Click here for 2009 workshop descriptions
How do you choose applicants each year?
As Indy Convergence has grown so has the quantity and caliber of applicants. The selection process is based on balancing a few key elements:
- Diversity of discipline
- Accommodating the needs of the side project proposals we receive. For example: one year might need more actors or opera singers.
- The unique ideas or talents that a particular applicant brings to the table
- Keeping a balance of out of state and local Indianapolis artists
