Call for Artists: Bentway Games

[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_single_image image=”30714″ img_size=”800×391″ alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]Call for artists! We’re looking for 6 creators to design small, playful experiences for The Bentway, an innovative public space underneath the Gardiner Expressway. The Bentway regularly hosts various community, cultural and artistic projects that expand our conception of the urban park and the use of city infrastructure. This summer, in collaboration with Hand Eye Society, it will become home to a series of “tiny games” designed to be played by the thousands of people who walk through the site. The games will be installed in the space as written instructions that allow visitors to play on-the-spot, using no resources or supplies other than themselves and the surrounding environment.

In May, the games will be officially unveiled at a Bentway event.

Compensation will include a $600 honorarium per participant, plus meals and transportation.

[button size=” style=” text=’Apply to Be a Participant!’ icon=” icon_color=” link=’https://forms.gle/RjVW5FPH3kwDmR6n8′ color=” hover_color=” border_color=” hover_border_color=” background_color=” hover_background_color=” font_style=” font_weight=” text_align=” margin=”]

Submissions are open until February 28. Artists will be confirmed in early March. Selected participants must be available for all on-site sessions, and the launch event. Creators from non-gaming backgrounds are highly encouraged to apply.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1580788041896{margin-top: 40px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

Inspiration

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]What kind of games will you be making? They’ll be non-digital. They’ll need to be playable with no supplies at all, or only those that people commonly carry around. They’ll need to be simple enough to be fully playable after reading the instructions off of a sign. They’ll need to be accessible enough to be played by the wide range of visitors who pass through the space.  

We’re not after deep strategy or rich immersion here. The goal is to encourage playful exploration The Bentway, and an engagement with the issues it presents, as an urban experiment that knits together seven neighbourhoods and serves as a public space in the heart of the city. Think about poem-like games that evoke a mood, explore a thought, or examine an interaction in a focused way.

Of course, the games will also need to be fleshed out and playable, since they’ll be seen by thousands! That’s why we’re making sure to facilitate playtesting sessions during the design process.

Still not sure what we’re looking for? This project was inspired by initiatives like the ones included in the list to the right. Check out the links, get inspired, and don’t forget to apply by February 28![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]

Playlist

Six for Bricks
by Hand Eye Society

Casual Games for Protesters
by Molleindustria and Harry Giles

Tiny Games
by Hide&Seek

Games For People
by Pat Ashe and George Buckenham

A Small Book with Games In It
by Gloam Collective

Games for Walkers
by Harry Giles

Casual Games for Casual Hikers
by Aitch Giles

Games at Dorset Park
by Hand Eye Society
[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”grid” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1580788062957{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

FAQ

[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]What will the final game installations look like? 

We’re working out the specifics of the exact format. However, the final game instructions will be passed onto a graphic designer who will produce some form of signage, which will printed and posted in the space. The visual footprint of this project is important to all parties, so expect something cool!

What’s the final deliverable? Am I expected to help out with creating the actual installation? 

Participants just need to produce final game instructions in text form. We’ll take it from there. Here’s an example of our past game jam completed for Evergreen Brick Works that was turned into a zine!

What’s the process and time commitment like?

Participants will be on-site for one “game jam”-ish day, where you’ll explore the site, talk to Bentway staff, and riff on ideas with one another. Several weeks later, you’ll meet up again on-site for a few hours to playtest your ideas. And several weeks after that, you’ll meet up one more time to do a final test and finalize their games. You are expected to do some of the conceptual design and development on your own time in between sessions.

You’ll also need to be on-site for the launch weekend, where you’ll be asked to show off your game to groups a few times each day.

Travel and food for the on-site sessions will be covered.

I have more questions!

Send us an email at info@handeyesociety.com![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” angled_section=”no” text_align=”left” background_image_as_pattern=”without_pattern” css_animation=”” css=”.vc_custom_1580788367679{margin-top: 50px !important;}”][vc_column][vc_column_text]

In Partnership With

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