The Movement of Figures: The Synergy of Art and Dance

Monday 4th July – Friday 29th July, 2022

June 1, 2022

“The Rotunda Gallery”

A display of Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and political heritage

CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS

Artists & Collectors

The Parliament of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago is inviting submissions for our “The Movement of Figures: The Synergy of Art and Dance”. The exhibition will be held from Monday 4^th July – Friday 29^th July, 2022.

The Vision

In ancient times, people used to constantly dance[1], since dance has always been one of the intrinsic expressions of human beings. Natural events, community gatherings, family moments, war and peace, the seasons of the year… – all these were moments and events to be expressed through collective and individual dances. More so than that, dance is an art form that has been present at every stage of civilization; partaking in its beauty is a way of connecting to humans past, present, and future.

There is a long tradition throughout the world of cultures using dance to celebrate, to mourn, to tell stories, and to educate. It is also the art form in which human movement becomes the medium for sensing, understanding, and communicating ideas, feelings, and experiences.  Dance is a fully-fledged art form, belonging to the ‘performing arts’, and is a means of allowing a human being to express his inner feelings, thoughts and experiences. Dance is a natural form of self-expression: the body expresses itself naturally and so therefore does the spirit. Through dance, our body expresses how free we actually are, while also highlighting the restrictions our minds impose on it.

In 1982, the Dance Committee of International Theatre Institute (ITI) founded International Dance Day to be celebrated every year on the 29th April, the birthday of Jean-Georges Noverre (1727-1810), creator of modern ballet. The intention of the International Dance Day Message is to celebrate dance, revel in the universality of this art form, cross all political, cultural and ethnic barriers, and bring people together with a common language – dance.

The “Movement of Figures: The Synergy of Art and Dance” theme aligns with some of the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations Vision/Mandate: Goal #4– “Quality Education”, Goal #8 – “Decent work and economic growth” and Goal #11 – “Sustainable cities and communities (“Strengthen efforts to protect and safeguard the world’s cultural and natural heritage”).

As a cultural melting pot, descendants from Africa and India brought with them folk dance and Indian classical respectively. There was also an influence from the Spanish, English and French. Additionally, Trinidad and Tobago is popularly known for Calypso and Soca music and their rhythmic and unique dance styles that are elements of the art form. Bele, Odissi, Limbo, and Bongo are also popular in the local dance scene.

The Rotunda Gallery welcomes submissions that depict the movement of the human form, or depict the many forms of dance that are present in Trinidad and Tobago or even dances that we were influenced by. Let us show the beautiful expression of dance depicting the vibrancy, splendour and uniqueness of our culture.

Inspirational Tags

Art and Dance; Movement of Figures; Human Form; Performing Arts; Dance Expression; Culture; Cultural Expression; Traditional Dance; Limbo; Bongo; Kalinda; Tobago Jig; Tobago Ole Time Wedding; Brushback; Bele; Calypso Dance; East Indian Folk Dance; East Indian Classical Dance; Odissi; Kathak; Trinidad and Tobago.

Important Notes  

• All visual art genres are acceptable (painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, prints, fabric art, collage, installation art, digital art).
• Submissions for this call are open only to nationals of Trinidad and Tobago.
• There is no submission fee, but artists and collectors will be responsible for framing, transport, and insurance of their artwork.
• No sexual content, violence, hatred, or propaganda. 
• The final decision on whether your artwork will be exhibited is at the sole discretion of the Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee.
• Artists and Collectors may be invited to exhibit by the Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee or solicited through a call to artists.
• The Office of the Parliament will, at the Artist’s request, make contact information available to persons interested in purchasing the artwork. All sales and related negotiations are the sole responsibility of the Artist.
• You are required to submit the title, medium, year, size, and price of artwork.

Important Dates

Submission Guidelines and Requirements

• Proof of Trinidad and Tobago citizenship (National ID or Passport).
• Contact information (name, phone number, email address).
• A brief Artist Statement (not exceeding 300 words).
• An explanation of each piece submitted (not exceeding 150 words per piece).
• Images (at least 300 dpi) of up to three (3) pieces of work.
• Documents must be submitted electronically to rotundagallery@ttparliament.org in Word format and images of work must be in .JPEG format. See title examples below:
  • John Doe_National ID
  • John Doe_ The Movement of Figures _2022_24x44inches
  • John Doe_Artist Statement_2022
• Collectors must submit proof of ownership of the artwork.
• You are required to submit the title, medium, year, size, and price of artwork.

The Selection Process

Office of the Parliament Rotunda Gallery Committee will select artwork for “The Movement of Figures: The Synergy of Art and Dance” Exhibition.

Frequently Asked Questions for Exhibitions at the Rotunda Gallery

WHO CAN SUBMIT WORKS? Any citizen of Trinidad and Tobago.

• WHAT CAN I SUBMIT? Artists and collectors can submit up to three (3) pieces of work in any medium or genre of visual arts which includes, painting, photography, drawing, sculpture, prints, fabric art, collage, installation art, digital art or other. No sexual content, violence, hatred, or propaganda. Unsuitable works will not be accepted.

• I CANNOT COMPLETE ARTWORK BY THE DEADLINE, ARE THERE ANY OTHER OPPORTUNITIES? Yes, the Rotunda Gallery will be a permanent exhibition space to display Trinidad and Tobago’s cultural and political heritage. Follow the Parliament of Trinidad and Tobago and Rotunda Gallery on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter for future Calls for Submissions.  

• HOW MANY WORKS CAN I SUBMIT? Artists may submit up to THREE (3) pieces of artwork unless specific permission has been granted to submit a collection.

• WHAT IS THE SIZE LIMITATION? The maximum size is 60 inches in height and 72 inches in width.

• WILL THE ARTWORK BE INSURED? It is the responsibility of the artist or the collector to arrange all insurance. While every effort will be made to ensure that artworks submitted are handled carefully and well protected, all artworks should be insured door to door by the participating artist or collector.

• HOW WILL I KNOW WHETHER MY WORK HAS BEEN SELECTED? You will receive an email informing you of the status of your submission.

• DO I HAVE TO FRAME MY ARTWORK? For the initial electronic submission, the artwork can be unframed. Once you receive the email advising of the selection of your piece(s), you may proceed to the framing phase to prepare your work for submission day (unless your work will be exhibited virtually). All selected works must be professionally/tastefully mounted and ready for hanging or installation in the Rotunda Gallery.

• WHAT CAN I EXPECT ON FINAL SUBMISSION DAY? Artists are required to bring in their work(s), ready to hang or display. The labels and submission form will be provided in the notification email. Both documents should be completed in advance and submitted with artwork.

• WHAT ARE THE GALLERY HOURS? The exhibition and tours will be online and virtual at Rotunda Gallery TT on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram and by appointment only for in-person viewing. To book an appointment, call 701-6133.

• I CANNOT COLLECT MY ARTWORK IN THE WINDOW PROVIDED CAN I AUTHORISE SOMEONE TO COLLECT ON MY BEHALF? Yes. We DO NOT have a facility to store unclaimed works. Please arrange to collect your works within the window provided. If you are designating someone to collect your artwork you must send us an email with the person’s name, and they must provide photo ID on arrival.

¹ “Dance As A Tool For Creativity With Young People | Educational Tools Portal”. Educationaltoolsportal.Eu, 2022, https://educationaltoolsportal.eu/educationaltoolsportal/en/tools-for-learning/dance-tool-creativity-young-people.

₂”Dance | Definition, Characteristics, Types, History, People, & Facts”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 2022, https://www.britannica.com/art/dance.

₃”Dance Forms In Trinidad And Tobago”. NDA.TT, 2022, https://ndattorg.wordpress.com/dance-forms-in-trinidad-and-tobago/.

[1] Dance, the movement of the body in a rhythmic way, usually to music and within a given space, for the purpose of expressing an idea or emotion, releasing energy, or simply taking delight in the movement itself.