Howdy, Lamont here
I have some very exciting news to share with you in regards to my project self checkout. If you don’t know anything about it yet, I suggest you read this previous blog post first ! SO after such a great first iteration in March 2023, I had the desire to keep on developing the project and seeking opportunities to bring it to life again in my community... It’s happening ! A second iteration of self checkout will be taking place in so-called Vancouver next March.
When asking myself what every level of self checkout could look like, I allow myself to dream big. Therefore, my main developmental focus this year is on investigating the project’s transplanting capacity. I believe that by implementing this idea from the start, I am making small steps toward a larger goal of carrying the project over time and into different communities, cultures and places. My thought process is inspired by artist and director Kate Franklin ; she talks about the dance of taking space and making space. While developing my vision and indulging in my artistic endeavors, I open it up for queer youth to explore their own artistry and be inspired.
That is the self checkout dance !
This year, the project is possible thanks to the great support of Dancemakers, ArtStarts and the City of Vancouver. Many thanks to our local community partners What Lab Studio, Collingwood Neighbourhood House and Q7 Studios for making this possible. And finally, a special thank you to some of my fellow supporters during the implementation of the project: Karissa Abad, Ry Forsythe, Julie Lebel, Jaime Hewat, Audrey Sides, Alyssa Favero, danielle Mackenzie Long and Ryan Jackson.
Meet the 2024 team !
moi, Lamont (they/them) ! I am a movement artist interested in queering creative practices by questioning normative frameworks and rethinking the ways in which we connect to space, time and each other. I aspire to cast spells and can barely control my loud bursts of laughter. self checkout is a project I’m directing for a second year in a row!
Maxx Sadler (they/them) is a filmmaker and theatre enthusiast who strives to bring queer people and their stories to the forefront of creative spaces and visions. They may look intimidating wearing all black, but under all that they’re marinating in their thoughts, eating soup and watching ghost videos. Maxx a 2023 participant and will be co-facilitating the workshops this year!
& danielle Mackenzie Long (they/them), Ryan Jackson (he/they) and Alyssa Favero (they/them): wonderful artists who generously bring their individual skills to the table and who will participate in a lab during a preliminary phase of research
Registration is now open until March 14th for the Spring Break intensive! Visit the website to get all the information about dates and locations. There are 12 spots available. Here is the link to the registration form! Please don’t hesitate to contact me at self.checkout.lamont@gmail.com if you have any questions or concerns about the project.