PSi

Guidelines: aims, selection procedure and application

What is a PSi regional research cluster?

A PSi regional research cluster is a smaller, less formal performance studies event arising in response to a need to bring people together without having to travel vast distances and/or provide for the needs of a larger conference.

• Clusters will evolve to work on a particular research theme and/or respond to a contemporary event.
• They will typically feature themed and possibly curated symposia.
• Research clusters might meet either before or after an annual conference with the aim to develop/conclude potential conference themes.
• Clusters might meet once to address pressing themes and issues.  Alternatively, research clusters, meetings might evolve into more formal groupings of likeminded researchers and produce publications and related activities.
• There should be no one fixed model for gatherings which should rather be driven by small teams of likeminded people and evolve according to their needs and practices.

Regional meetings and research clusters would not replace the annual conference, nor should they exist as separate working groups at the annual conference.

What do such clusters aim for?

Regional research clusters aim to develop the scope and range of PSi activities with a focus on creating new contexts for internationalisation.  Cluster activities can be responsive to local issues of timing and approach—different academic years, different lengths of projects, diverse approaches to and contexts for PS research can be encouraged.  They can foster a year-round calendar presence for Psi research activities and events.  PSi regional research clusters can facilitate flows of information and expand research networks between local, regional and global spheres of operation. PSi regional research clusters make performance studies research more visible and more open to participation and debate.

Psi support for clusters

PSi is actively committed to creating a membership base of artists and scholars throughout the world.  PSi will give financial support of between 2000-3000 US-dollars for one cluster proposal per annum and affiliate up to two others.  (Details of how to apply see below).  Financial support will be in the seeding money and will not be on-going.

Why affiliate an event?

There are many ways to cluster your event and many reasons why you might want to:

• Psi can help broker cluster events and promote the advantages of affiliation.

• We will evelop a dedicated regional clusters section of the PSi bulletin to advertise events and seek participants.
• Use the PSi bulletin to survey a field and seek ideas and input for the development of future events and activities.
• Develop a dedicated regional clusters section of the PSi homepage to document and archive events and/or research publications.
• With prior approval, use the PSi brand to give institutional support to research funding applications and applications for in-kind support.
• Have access to a membership skills bank offering informal information and mentoring of event organisation/management.
• Use PSi as an umbrella to attract people to an event and/or project.
• Affiliation is two way and helps PSi.  By contributing to the wider Psi community in extending the range and visibility of performance studies research affiliation develops the profile and activities of the organisation.
• Feed research agenda and ideas into PSi, have impact on shaping future activities and conferences.

Application process

(1)     Applicants should use the pro forma below as a guide to preparing their application.

(2)     Applications are to be submitted to the Chair of the international committee of PSi.

(3)     Applications will open three months prior to the annual conference and close one month prior to the annual conference.  The opening and closing dates will be determined by the first day of the conference each year.

(4)     The proposals will be considered by a PSi board subcommittee meeting at the annual conference and decisions announced at the AGM.

(5)     Applications are open to all members of PSi including current board members.  No applicant will be on the selection committee.

How will clusters be administered?

Clusters will be the responsibility of the international committee.

• The international committee will promote the cluster proposal to members, approve applications, receive final reports.  The selection panel will be four people: the International committee chair (as chair), a nominee of the president of PSi, two additional board members.
• Payments to research clusters can only be made to an corporate entity and require acknowledgement of receipt
• A financial report should be presented to the committee at the conclusion of the project

What are the expectations of affiliates?

• Cluster affiliates will be required to submit a report of their activities at the conclusion of the project.  The report will be in two parts: an statement about the research and a financial statement.
• Cluster affiliates will be expected to include PSi acknowledgement in their informational material and activities.
• Most importantly, the cluster idea is symbiotic and advantage grows both ways; PSi will expect that the cluster affiliate will provide documentation and publishing in a manner best suited to the project.  This will be available either as archived material on the PSi website or via a hyperlink.

Regional research clusters. Application form

On a cover page include:

1. Name of your project and/or event:
2. Contact person(s), mail and email address
3. Key participants
4. Project duration: Proposed dates
5. Location of the event
6. Relevant affiliation

In no more than five pages please describe your research activity, proposal and/or performance studies event.

(i) Include where relevant discussion of why the event has arisen, what you aim to achieve, how the event will be undertaken and by whom.

(ii) If relevant, describe the expected outcomes from the event?

(iii) Describe how PSi might best be able help your proposal/event?

(iv) Please address the PSi mission statement in your proposal.

In one page please include a simple budget showing how you will allocate money received from PSi.

Applications will open three months prior to the annual conference and close one month prior to the annual conference.  The opening and closing dates will be determined by the first day of the conference each year. In 2011, applications will open on 25 Feb 2011 and close on 25 April 2011.

Send your proposal to:

PSi International Committee Chair

Chair: Marin Blaževic
Department of Dramaturgy
Academy of Drama Arts
University of Zagreb, Croatia
marin.blazevic@zg.htnet.hr