Coventry 2021 commissions local artists to create an original visual album
Calling all musical and visual artists based in Coventry and Warwickshire! In response to the challenges faced by artists and performers due to the coronavirus lockdown, Coventry City of Culture Trust has announced a call-out for 15 musical acts and 15 visual artists to work on a completely original visual album.
Developed in partnership with The Tin Music and Arts, The Empire, Warwick Arts Centre, the West Indian Centre, Coventry City Council and local music promoter Sam McNulty, this exciting opportunity not only offers artists a chance to create something positive but also to get paid for their work, at a time when many are experiencing a significant loss of earnings due to the cancellation of live concerts and events.
The finished album will feature up to 15 new pieces of music, each with its own video. The 15 videos will be created by visual artists including animators, filmmakers, graphic designers and videographers. Musicians working in all genres are invited to apply, from singer-songwriters to bands, dhol drummers to rappers, and string quartets to electronica artists, with the aim of offering a true representation of Coventry’s diverse music scene.
Applicants for both parts of the project will need to fill out an online with links to up to three videos of their previous work at coventry2021.co.uk/visual-album. The deadline to apply is midnight on Monday 28 April.
Chenine Bhathena, Creative Director of Coventry City of Culture Trust, said: “During this time of uncertainty and isolation we wanted to give Coventry a voice, and there is no better medium to do that than music.
“This project gives a creative outlet for those artists that may be suffering due to the current social distancing measures in place to battle Covid-19. Just because we are all at home, it doesn’t mean that good things can’t be created and we believe this project will really draw on and showcase Coventry’s creativity.”
Successful musical applicants will work with a music technician who will master the finished tracks. When first recordings of the tracks are complete, they will then be passed on the visual artists to produce the music videos. The whole project will be completed in just ten weeks.
Jon Davis, the Senior Producer from Coventry City of Culture Trust working on the project, said: “The idea for the project came about by thinking of ways we could commission artists to create new work whilst still making sure we adhere to the Government’s social distancing rules. The visual album is a great opportunity for us to prove that, even in these times, Coventry is a great music city.”
Sam McNulty, a champion of Coventry’s local talent, added: “I’m delighted to be part of this project. Working on an album is never easy but working on one from home and in isolation is a whole new challenge. We are sure that the musicians, artists and the production team will rise to the task and create something truly unique and special.”
Visual artists and musicians are invited to apply online now. For more information, please visit coventry2021.co.uk/visual-album.
