Performance in a Pandemic

This edited collection explores the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on contemporary performance, dance, and live art, featuring creative-critical responses from UK and international artists, academics, practitioners, and researchers. It examines the ways in which liveness functions across digital platforms, the new demands on audiences and performance-makers, and the impact on international festivals. The examples gathered capture the creative activity and output that this unexpected cultural moment has provoked, interrogating what the pandemic has taught us about making live work during lockdown and exploring the future of performance-making in a post-COVID world.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This edited collection brings together a diverse range of UK and international artists, academics, practitioners, and researchers in the fields of contemporary performance, dance, and live art to explore the profound impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their work. Through a series of creative-critical case studies, the book delves into the intricate ways in which liveness functions across digital platforms, the evolving demands placed upon audiences and performance-makers, and the transformative effects of the digital on international festivals, erasing geographical and locational barriers. The examples presented in this collection capture the vibrant and diverse creative activity that has emerged during this unexpected cultural moment, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of artists in the face of adversity.

Creative-critical responses in the book interrogate the lessons learned from the global pandemic about the art of making live work during lockdown and speculate on the potential future of performance-making in a post-COVID world. This resource is of utmost importance to all scholars and performance-makers who are engaged in the realm of contemporary art and culture, offering a valuable insight into the practices and perspectives of practitioners at the forefront of this field.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts has been profound and far-reaching, with many artists and performers forced to adapt their work to new realities. The shift to digital platforms has allowed for the continuation of artistic expression, but it has also brought new challenges and opportunities. In this collection, artists and scholars explore the ways in which liveness is experienced and interpreted in the digital realm, examining the challenges and rewards of performing and presenting work in this context.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the impact of the pandemic on audiences and performance-makers. The shift to online performances has created new demands and expectations from audiences, who are now accustomed to consuming art and entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. This has led to a greater emphasis on accessibility, interactivity, and the ability to engage with audiences in real-time.

At the same time, the pandemic has placed significant pressure on performance-makers, who are now required to navigate the complexities of working in a virtual environment. This includes developing new techniques and technologies to create immersive and engaging experiences, as well as adapting their work to the constraints of remote collaboration and performance.

Another theme explored in the book is the impact of the pandemic on international festivals. The cancellation or postponement of many festivals due to COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the arts industry, with many artists and performers losing income and opportunities to showcase their work. However, it has also led to the emergence of new digital festivals and platforms that have allowed for the continued celebration of art and culture in a virtual space.

The book also highlights the role of technology in shaping the future of performance-making. The use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive technologies has the potential to transform the way
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts has been profound and far-reaching, with many artists and performers forced to adapt their work to new realities. The shift to digital platforms has allowed for the continuation of artistic expression, but it has also brought new challenges and opportunities. In this collection, artists and scholars explore the ways in which liveness is experienced and interpreted in the digital realm, examining the challenges and rewards of performing and presenting work in this context.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the impact of the pandemic on audiences and performance-makers. The shift to online performances has created new demands and expectations from audiences, who are now accustomed to consuming art and entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. This has led to a greater emphasis on accessibility, interactivity, and the ability to engage with audiences in real-time.

At the same time, the pandemic has placed significant pressure on performance-makers, who are now required to navigate the complexities of working in a virtual environment. This includes developing new techniques and technologies to create immersive and engaging experiences, as well as adapting their work to the constraints of remote collaboration and performance.

Another theme explored in the book is the impact of the pandemic on international festivals. The cancellation or postponement of many festivals due to COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the arts industry, with many artists and performers losing income and opportunities to showcase their work. However, it has also led to the emergence of new digital festivals and platforms that have allowed for the continued celebration of art and culture in a virtual space.

The book also highlights the role of technology in shaping the future of performance-making. The use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive technologies has the potential to transform the way of experiencing and presenting art, allowing for new forms of expression and engagement with audiences.

In conclusion, this edited collection offers a valuable insight into the creative-critical responses of UK and international artists, academics, practitioners, and researchers to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their work. Through a series of compelling case studies, the book explores the complex ways in which liveness functions across digital platforms, the evolving demands placed upon audiences and performance-makers, and the transformative effects of the digital on international festivals. The examples presented in this collection capture the vibrant and diverse creative activity that has emerged during this unexpected cultural moment, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of artists in the face of adversity. Creative-critical responses in the book interrogate the lessons learned from the global pandemic about the art of making live work during lockdown and speculate on the potential future of performance-making in a post-COVID world. This resource is of utmost importance to all scholars and performance-makers who are engaged in the realm of contemporary art and culture, offering a valuable insight into the practices and perspectives of practitioners at the forefront

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts has been profound and far-reaching, with many artists and performers forced to adapt their work to new realities. The shift to digital platforms has allowed for the continuation of artistic expression, but it has also brought new challenges and opportunities. In this collection, artists and scholars explore the ways in which liveness is experienced and interpreted in the digital realm, examining the challenges and rewards of performing and presenting work in this context.

One of the key themes explored in the book is the impact of the pandemic on audiences and performance-makers. The shift to online performances has created new demands and expectations from audiences, who are now accustomed to consuming art and entertainment from the comfort of their own homes. This has led to a greater emphasis on accessibility, interactivity, and the ability to engage with audiences in real-time.

At the same time, the pandemic has placed significant pressure on performance-makers, who are now required to navigate the complexities of working in a virtual environment. This includes developing new techniques and technologies to create immersive and engaging experiences, as well as adapting their work to the constraints of remote collaboration and performance.

Another theme explored in the book is the impact of the pandemic on international festivals. The cancellation or postponement of many festivals due to COVID-19 has had a devastating impact on the arts industry, with many artists and performers losing income and opportunities to showcase their work. However, it has also led to the emergence of new digital festivals and platforms that have allowed for the continued celebration of art and culture in a virtual space.

The book also highlights the role of technology in shaping the future of performance-making. The use of virtual reality, augmented reality, and other immersive technologies has the potential to transform the way of experiencing and presenting art, allowing for new forms of expression and engagement with audiences.

In conclusion, this edited collection offers a valuable insight into the creative-critical responses of UK and international artists, academics, practitioners, and researchers to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on their work. Through a series of compelling case studies, the book explores the complex ways in which liveness functions across digital platforms, the evolving demands placed upon audiences and performance-makers, and the transformative effects of the digital on international festivals. The examples presented in this collection capture the vibrant and diverse creative activity that has emerged during this unexpected cultural moment, showcasing the resilience and adaptability of artists in the face of adversity. Creative-critical responses in the book interrogate the lessons learned from the global pandemic about the art of making live work during lockdown and speculate on the potential future of performance-making in a post-COVID world. This resource is of utmost importance to all scholars and performance-makers who are engaged in the realm of contemporary art and culture, offering a valuable insight into the practices and perspectives of practitioners at the forefront of this field.

Weight: 218g
Dimension: 137 x 217 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032191430