OPEN CALL STIMMING A SPACE
Stimming a Space is a doctoral artistic research by Anna Püschel (visual artist, department of Architecture of LUCA School of Arts). It explores stimming (soothing self-regulation) as a means to rethink accessibility for neurodivergent individuals in the arts. Taking the well-being of the entire neurodivergent bodymind as a starting point, this project leans into the neurodivergent paradigm and resists notions of pathologizing or ´fixing´ neurodiversity, and rather embraces it as a natural variation of human existence.
With an intersectional approach, Anna dives into stimming as a core aspect of neurodivergent life and positions it as a gesture of radical self-care. The focus of this project lies on the experience of neurodivergent women in the arts as they exist within a two-fold invisibility – living with an invisible disability and not embodying what others think this disability entails – while forming a considerable percentage in the arts. This being said, Stimming a Space is searching to develop concrete tools that serve every neurodivergent individual.
For a segment of this research, Anna is looking for a group of 5 neurodivergent women with an art practice to work with over a period of four weeks. The goal is to explore stimming together, to move, think and enjoy, and create information that potentially helps others.
This part of the research consists of the following phases:
I. An (audio) interview beforehand at a chosen location (can be your own studio or home if preferred).
II. Moving together on four different occasions. This will take place at Danspunt in Ghent on the following days in the afternoon: April 25th and 2nd, 9th and 16th of May, from 3 to 5 pm. Before and after our work on the mat, there are short questionnaires to be filled in (no private details required).
III. During the third and fourth encounter, video material will be created. This can happen with respect to an individual´s preferences (e.g. no faces filmed).
IV. After the four movement encounters, there will be another audio interview in which the participants can reflect on their experience. This can happen in the artist’s studio, at LUCA School of Arts, or at another chosen location.
Are you a neurodivergent woman with a creative practice interested in moving together in a safe and playful space? Self-diagnosis is valid, no performance or dance experience required, all shapes and abilities welcome. This is a gentle and safe space. As we are taking care of each other and build this space together, please make sure you are available on all proposed dates.
The material created will be used for research on an anonymous base (e.g. details from interviews, video clips of the movements). The privacy of all participants falls under the strict data regulation obligations of KULeuven research.
What´s in it for you?
Compensation for participation (voluntary fee of 30€ per day of participation). Learning about self-regulation techniques, a little dive into somatics and most of all, exploring neurodivergent joy!
contact me at anna.pueschel@kuleuven.be