Soliloquy - an accessible art project at the intersection of dance and ecology
Introducing Soliloquy - a bold and innovative project led by a Polish-Łemko artist Monika Błaszczak. This project aims to unlock the full potential of movement as a means of responding to the critical issue of climate change. By exploring the depths of our bodily response to this issue through interdisciplinary art and accessible movement workshops, Soliloquy hopes to create a reciprocal relationship of mutual care with the land and make a real difference in the world through the power of dance.
Cross-border/international
Poland
Germany
Member State(s), Western Balkans and other countries: Italy
Member State(s), Western Balkans and other countries: Netherlands
{Empty}
It addresses urban-rural linkages
It refers to other types of transformations (soft investment)
The Soliloquy project, led by a queer, neurodivergent, generation-Z artist Monika Błaszczak, is an innovative approach to understanding and addressing the issue of climate change. Through movement workshops and large-scale, site-specific performances with up to 200 performers, Monika aims to explore the depths of our bodily response to this issue and create a reciprocal relationship of mutual care with the land. The project utilizes the transformative and healing power of dance as a tool for change, and is open to everyone, regardless of age, background, or level of mobility. By joining Soliloquy, participants have a unique opportunity to make a real difference in the world and contribute to a sustainable future.
Accessibility is a key aspect of the Soliloquy project. Monika believes that everyone should have the opportunity to participate in making of art and taking care of the environment, regardless of their age, background, or level of mobility.
Soliloquy explores how art can drive social change in issues such as climate crisis. Monika believes that art has the power to inspire and motivate people to take action on important social issues, such as climate change, and she aims to mobilize this force through her work with communities and environments.
All aspects of the project, from the materials used to the way the workshops and performances are facilitated, are designed with sustainability in mind.
Since the beginning of the project, Monika presented the fruits of her work in Poland, Germany, The Netherlands, Italy, United Kingdom, Chile and Bolivia, sharing her work through accessible movement workshops, choreographic scores, solo performances as well as large scale choreographic pieces.
Monika wishes to be the driving force of change and an artist capable of affecting the world of art and much beyond, by transforming the ways in which we move and organise our life on the planet.
The project is at its medium-stage and would highly benefit from funding.
dance
art
ecology
accesibility
climate crisis
The key objectives of the concept of exploring sustainability from a choreographic perspective are to transform the ways in which humans relate to the planet and to work locally while thinking globally. The concept utilizes dance as a path towards health and as a catalyst for change in addressing issues of sustainability. The project aims to inspire individuals to take a more active role in caring for the planet through the use of movement and choreography.
One way that this concept has been met is by creating site-specific performances that highlight the importance of caring for the environment in a particular location. This approach allows for a more localized understanding of sustainability issues and encourages participants to think about how their actions impact the planet on a global scale.
Another way this concept has been met is by facilitating movement workshops that focus on the connection between the body, mind, and the environment. These workshops aim to encourage individuals to think about the impact of their actions and inspire them to take steps towards a more sustainable lifestyle.
This concept can be exemplary in the context of sustainability because it offers a unique perspective on addressing these issues. It uses the power of art and movement to inspire individuals to take action and make a positive impact on the environment. Additionally, by working locally and thinking globally, the concept encourages individuals to consider the interconnectedness of environmental issues and the role they play in addressing them.
The key objectives of the concept of world-renowned artistic practice Soliloquy are to create high-quality experiences for audiences through design, positive emotions, and cultural benefits. The aesthetic values are of a very primary concept to this project, with the author's specialised higher education in the fields of dance, choreography and contemporary art practice. The concept is led by Monika Błaszczak, who aims to use art as a catalyst for social change, specifically in addressing the issue of climate change. Soliloquy has been performed worldwide and Monika's work has been performed in established institutions such as Tate Modern, Victoria and Albert Museum, Polish Dance Theatre, and The Barbican Centre.
The concept is met by utilizing a revolutionary approach to movement and ecology through movement workshops, solo performances by the author of the practice, and large-scale, site-specific dance pieces. These performances aim to spark positive emotions in audiences and encourage them to take action on climate change.
This concept can be exemplary in the context of aesthetics and the quality of experience for people because it is led by a rising star of new art and has been performed in world-renowned institutions. The use of a revolutionary approach to movement and ecology, as well as the focus on sparking positive emotions and encouraging audience participation, makes for a unique and impactful experience for audiences. Additionally, the use of art as a catalyst for social change allows for the concept to have a meaningful impact beyond just the aesthetic experience.
The Soliloquy project, led by Monika Błaszczak, has several key objectives in terms of inclusion. One of the main goals is to make the dance method accessible to any type of body, regardless of age, background, or level of mobility. To achieve this, Monika offers open dance workshops that are accessible to people with disabilities and of any age and background. Additionally, the classes are always not expensive, between free and donation-based or for symbolic payment. This ensures that the workshops and the artistic activities are accessible and affordable for everyone.
Another key objective is to make the performances inclusive for a diverse audience. Monika designs the performances with accessibility in mind, ensuring that the work is accessible to anyone, regardless of their physical abilities or background. This includes using inclusive language, accommodating people with disabilities, and sound design, and to have sign language interpreters, audio descriptions, and captions when necessary.
Furthermore, Monika Błaszczak shows an example as an artist of a new generation, by promoting inclusive governance systems, design for all principles, and new societal models. To achieve this, Monika works with communities and environments to mobilize the power of art to drive social change in issues such as climate crisis, and to use the transformative and healing power of dance as a tool for change.
In summary, the Soliloquy project is exemplary in terms of inclusion as it provides accessible, low-cost dance workshops and performances that are open to people with disabilities and of any age and background. Additionally, Monika designs performances with accessibility in mind, and shows an example as an artist of a new generation by promoting inclusive governance systems, design for all principles, and new societal models.
The Soliloquy project, led by Monika Błaszczak, is designed to involve citizens and civil society in several ways. The project's main objective is to make art available to anyone, regardless of their age, background, or level of mobility. This is achieved by sharing tools from movement practices with citizens, through accessible dance workshops and performances. By providing access to movement practices, the project aims to empower citizens to drive social change and transform the ways in which people relate to their environments.
Another key aspect of the project is to bring health and body awareness to communities worldwide. The project is designed to promote physical and mental well-being through movement practices, which can have a positive impact on the health and wellbeing of the citizens.
The project also aims to transform the ways in which we understand ecology and climate crisis. By involving citizens and civil society in the workshops and performances, the project aims to raise awareness of the impact of human actions on the environment and inspire people to take action to address the climate crisis. Additionally, the project is designed to bridge gaps between disciplines, such as science, art, and community organizing, to promote a more holistic approach to addressing the climate crisis.
Furthermore, the Soliloquy project is designed to promote visionary ideas about new approaches to climate change, by bringing art outside of traditional art institutions and back to the people. This can inspire citizens to think creatively and come up with new solutions to address the climate crisis.
In summary, the Soliloquy project involves citizens and civil society by making art available to anyone, through accessible dance workshops and performances. The project aims to empower citizens to drive social change and transform the ways in which people relate to their environments. Additionally, the project is designed to raise awareness about climate change.
The Soliloquy project was initially designed by Monika Błaszczak as their final project for their Bachelor of Arts thesis at Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London. The project is developed and executed by Monika Błaszczak.
Different stakeholders at various levels were engaged in the design and development of the concept through institutional support from various partners. These partners include Independent Dance (England), Trinity Laban (England), The Place (England), Polish Dance Theatre (Poland), La Wayaka Current (Chile-England), Adam Mickiewicz Institute (Poland), National Institute of Music and Dance (Poland), United-C Eindhoven (Netherlands), V.O Curations (England), Glasgow School of Art (Scotland), and others.
The engagement of these stakeholders added value to the project in several ways. The institutional support provided by these partners allowed Monika Błaszczak to access resources, such as residency opportunities, mentorship, and small grants, which helped to develop and execute the project. Furthermore, the support from these institutions helped to promote the project and increase its visibility, by presenting the work in their venues. This helped to reach a wider audience and engage with different communities. Additionally, the partnerships with these institutions helped to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas, which helped to improve the project and make it more inclusive and sustainable.
The Soliloquy project, led by Monika Błaszczak, reflects several different disciplines and knowledge fields in its design and development. These include choreography, dance, somatic practices, contemporary art, ecology, contemporary philosophy, decolonial studies, queer and feminist studies, and climate activism.
The integration of somatic practices and ecology helped to create a deeper understanding of the relationship between the body and the environment, which is central to the project's focus on exploring the bodily response to climate change. Similarly, the integration of queer and feminist studies and decolonial studies helped to create a more inclusive and equitable approach to the project, by considering the intersectionality of different identities and experiences.
In addition, the integration of climate activism helped to create a more socially engaged and politically aware approach to the project, by raising awareness of the importance of addressing the climate crisis and inspiring people to take action.
In summary, the integration of different disciplines and knowledge fields in the design and development of the Soliloquy project helped to create a holistic and interdisciplinary approach, and to foster collaboration and exchange of ideas. This interaction helped to create a deeper understanding of the relationship between the body and the environment, as well as to create a more inclusive and equitable approach, by considering the intersectionality of different identities and experiences. Additionally, the integration of climate activism helped to create a more socially engaged and politically aware approach to the project, by raising awareness of the importance of addressing the climate crisis and inspiring people to take action.
The Soliloquy project, led by Monika Błaszczak, is innovative when compared to mainstream actions in the field of the concept in several ways.
Firstly, the project bridges gaps between disciplines and practices, such as ecology and art. The project combines movement practices, contemporary art, and ecology to create a holistic and interdisciplinary approach to addressing the issue of climate change. This is not common in mainstream actions in the field, which tend to focus on one discipline or approach.
Secondly, the project is an accessibility-driven project. It is designed to be open to anyone and everyone, regardless of age, background, or level of mobility. This approach is not common in mainstream actions in the field, which tend to be less inclusive and accessible.
Thirdly, the project has an innovative approach in dance creation with the local community. Monika Błaszczak believes that everyone can be a dancer, regardless of their physical abilities or background. This approach is not common in mainstream actions in the field, which tend to focus on professional dancers.
Fourthly, the project uses powerful imagery and clear statements to communicate its message and inspire people to take action on the issue of climate change. This approach is not common in mainstream actions in the field, which tend to be less visually striking and impactful.
Lastly, the project bridges gaps between disciplines and promotes climate activism by promoting a more holistic approach to addressing the climate crisis, by involving different disciplines and inspiring people to take action.
In summary, the Soliloquy project is innovative when compared to mainstream actions in the field, due to its ability to bridge gaps between disciplines and practices, its accessibility-driven approach, its innovative approach in dance creation with the local community, its use of powerful imagery and its promotion of climate activism.
The methodology of the Soliloquy project, which combines movement workshops and large-scale, site-specific performances to explore the depths of our bodily response to climate change, is highly replicable. The workshops can be adapted to different contexts and settings, such as art schools and institutions, dance venues, offices, businesses, and NGOs. This allows for a wide range of groups to benefit from the project, including individuals of all ages, backgrounds, and levels of mobility.
The performances can also be adapted to a diverse range of places, both outdoors and indoors, such as theatres, parks, rivers, beaches, sports halls, and galleries. This allows for the project to reach a wide audience and inspire people to take action on climate change in their own communities.
The inclusive processes used in the Soliloquy project can also serve as an exemplary practice for other projects. By facilitating the processes which ensure that the needs of all particpants are being met, the project ensures that everyone is able to fully engage with the material.
The use of dance as a tool for change is also highly replicable. Dance is a wonderful practice to stay healthy and in touch with your surroundings, and can be used in a variety of contexts, such as health and wellness programs, community-building initiatives, and environmental education.
Additionally, the project can generate learnings on how to create a reciprocal relationship of mutual care with the land and how art can inspire and motivate people to take action on important social issues, such as climate change.
The Soliloquy project addresses global challenges by providing local solutions. The project addresses the climate crisis as a choreographic problem, thinking about the movement of all humans on the planet, but working with local communities and groups of amateur and professional dancers. By working with local communities, the project is able to address the specific needs and concerns of those communities and create solutions that are tailored to their unique circumstances.
The project also addresses the global challenge of climate change through its online presence. By sharing the project's progress and outcomes online, the project inspires people to take action worldwide. This allows for the project to have a global impact, even though it is implemented locally.
The project also addresses global challenges by utilizing the transformative and healing power of dance on a micro level, in the hope that it will affect the macro level. Through the workshops and performances, the project aims to create a reciprocal relationship of mutual care with the land, not just locally but globally.
Finally, the project addresses global challenges by expanding through sending choreographic scores online, so that people can enact them in their locations. This allows for the project to reach a global audience and inspire people to take action on climate change in their own communities. The project aims to create a global network of individuals and communities who are working together to address the climate crisis through dance and movement.
