rice and beans is doing what no other company in Canada is doing. The cultural care and competency is not something you will not find elsewhere.
— Jasmine Chen
Creator/Performer of Jade Circle
“rice and beans is so supportive! As an artist working with them, you always feel heard, respected and appreciated.”
Q: How did this program help your specific project take its next big step forward?
Jade Circle would not have been possible without DBLSPK as a testing ground for many design and performance concepts. We learned so much about the piece and how it lives and breathes in space with video design. Having audience feedback was critical to learning what was working and where we could improve.
Q: What was the most enjoyable part/ moment of the residency?
Being with the creative team and having the DBLSPK audience talkback! rice and beans sets the tone for a relaxed but rigorous room. We are encouraged to take big swings and focus on process and learning, rather than having a finished product for an audience. Letting the audience in on the artistic process created really fruitful conversations.
“I will always have deep gratitude to rice and beans for believing in me and giving me the opportunity to grow as an artist and share my story. Thank you!”
Q: What is one new thing you tried, discovered, or figured out about your artistic practice while you were here?
I found greater confidence as a creator and being able to articulate my vision to collaborators. The residency was foundational in strengthening my relationship with my director. By the time we reached production, we had a shorthand and could build from what we had already discovered together.
Q: What would you say to artists who may be interested in applying to this program in the future?
Apply, apply, apply! rice and beans is doing what no other company in Canada is doing. The cultural care and competency is not something you will not find elsewhere. They are adaptable, fluid, sensitive, funny, and fellow artists who GET IT. They understand that the needs of a project are ever evolving. Unlike many other places, they are not rigid or are trying to check a box. They are decolonial and centre the voices artists. They go the extra mile to let you know that your art matters.