OPEN CALL: Artist Video Games Beta Testing

QUAD is seeking contemporary artists who have made or are making playable video games, that they would like to beta test with visitors to QUAD in our main gallery space. On the 2nd and 3rd of November 2019 QUAD is opening its main gallery to video games fans and practitioners from across the UK. RAM_fest – a new video gamer focused mini festival based in Derby – will celebrate gaming culture and history, featuring archive displays of game art and memorabilia, retro games and consoles, film screenings and related talks and events, and demos of new works by regional and UK based indie developers.

Artist games selected from this open call will feature as part of an artists’ strand of RAM_Fest. Support includes marketing and press promotion, use of a range of equipment (hi-spec PC’s, projectors, screens, etc), travel costs and related expenses.

Venue: QUAD Gallery, QUAD, Market Place, Derby, DE1 3AS, UK www.derbyquad.co.uk

When: 2& 3 November 2019, 11:00am – 5:00pm

Who can apply? Any UK-based artist who has produced or is in the midst of producing a playable video game artwork that will be ready for public testing and use in November 2019.

To apply please send the following:

Please send the following as a single PDF, saved as “[Your Name] Proposal” and include:

Your video game work, including title: what is it about, what stage is it at, how do players interact with it, what equipment will you need, how will it be displayed. Include screengrabs if relevant. Maximum 2 sides of A4.
Link to example of the work (streaming only) e.g.: your website, Vimeo, YouTube (with password if protected.) Please do not send video files.
A short statement about your practice. Maximum of 300 words
Your CV. Maximum of 2 sides of A4
Please send to peterb@derbyquad.co.uk and in the email subject header put “ARTIST VIDEO GAME”.

Deadline for submissions is 9:00pm Friday 27th September 2019.

If you have any questions please email QUAD Senior Curator Peter Bonnell at peterb@derbyquad.co.uk

The selection of work for screening will be made by QUAD Curatorial staff and organisers of RAM_fest.

Selected artists will be notified by no later than Monday 7th October 2019. If you have not been notified by this time, please consider your application to be unsuccessful.

We will be happy to give feedback on unsuccessful applications.

About QUAD
QUAD is an international centre for engagement in contemporary art and film, based in Derby, in the heart of the UK, with annual footfall of over 300,000. The year-round programme focuses on major exhibitions, professional practice for artists, mass participation, commissions, independent film and the creative use of emergent digital technologies. QUAD is a charity focused on intercultural dialogue through supporting diverse audiences to engage, develop skills and contribute to contemporary culture. Major projects include FORMAT International Photography Biennale and the UK’s largest international portfolio review, as well as recent exhibitions by Susan MacWilliam, Benedict Drew, teamLab – and Doug Fishbone’s 9-hole crazy golf course at the 2015 Venice Biennale. QUAD is also home to the Derby Film Festival. QUAD’s founding patron was the late Sir John Hurt www.derbyquad.co.uk

About RAM_fest
RAM_fest is a new mini-festival that will, based at QUAD in Derby, celebrate video gaming culture and history. It is said that over 32 million people play video games in the UK, with the industry contributing £3billion to the UK economy. Video games are also rapidly being deemed works of art, in turn inspiring artists to use the medium to make playable artworks.

This event will feature a beta testing section highlighting games made by contemporary artists, plus games in development by Indie developers. There will be consoles to play, talks and events and a historical section highlighting the rich history of gaming in the UK and the wider world. RAM_fest will showcase video gaming fun for all the family! Organised by Luke Earle and Peter Bonnell.