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: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 15 December 2021
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 innovative approaches and outputs that have been sparked by the pandemic.

In their thoughtful and introspective contributions, the authors 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. The book serves as a valuable resource for all scholars and performance-makers who are passionate about contemporary art and culture, offering a comprehensive and stimulating account of practice at the dawn of the 2020s.

The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the arts has been profound and far-reaching, with the cancellation of countless performances, exhibitions, and festivals worldwide. However, it has also sparked a wave of creativity and innovation, with artists and performers finding new ways to connect with audiences and share their work.

One of the most significant challenges facing the arts during the pandemic has been the shift to digital platforms. While digital technology has long been a part of the arts, the pandemic has accelerated its adoption and transformed the way that art is created, shared, and experienced. Artists have been forced to adapt their practices and find new ways to engage with audiences online, from live streaming performances to virtual exhibitions and interactive installations.

Another challenge has been the changing demands placed upon audiences and performance-makers. With many people confined to their homes and social distancing measures in place, audiences have become more discerning and demanding in their expectations of art and culture. Performance-makers have had to rethink their approach and find new ways to create work that is both engaging and accessible to a wide range of audiences, from children to older adults.

The pandemic has also had a significant impact on international festivals, which have traditionally been hubs of cultural exchange and collaboration. Many festivals have been forced to cancel or postpone their events, and the digital has become an essential tool for promoting and showcasing art and culture from around the world. However, the digital has also brought its own set of challenges, such as the need for reliable internet access and the potential for cultural appropriation and exploitation.

Despite these challenges, the arts have continued to thrive during the pandemic. Artists and performers have found new ways to connect with audiences and share their work, and many festivals have adapted to the digital landscape to continue to promote cultural exchange and collaboration. The pandemic has also brought attention

In conclusion, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on the arts, with a shift to digital platforms, changing demands placed upon audiences and performance-makers, and the transformative effects of the digital on international festivals. However, it has also sparked a wave of creativity and innovation, with artists and performers finding new ways to connect with audiences and share their work. The pandemic has also highlighted the importance of cultural exchange and collaboration, and the digital has become an essential tool for promoting and showcasing art and culture from around the world. As we move forward into a post-COVID world, it is clear that the arts will continue to play a vital role in shaping our society and culture.

Weight: 326g
Dimension: 143 x 223 x 17 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780367761349