please read carefully before applying for a YEMOYA international artist residency
YEMOYA international artist residency combines arts training with wellness practices for the holistic development of africa and her diaspora. founded in 2008 by d’bi.young, YEMOYA is the arts training wing of anitafrika dub theatre. just under a month-long intensive artist-residencies focus on the creative, physical, mental, emotional and spiritual growth of its resident artists. using self-knowledge, orality, rhythm, political content and context, language, urgency, sacredness and integrity - eight principles in d’bi.young’s biomyth sorplusi methodology - YEMOYA promotes social change through personal change. we firmly believes that r/evolution begins within.
what YEMOYA is not
YEMOYA is not a ‘how to get famous’ arts program. it is not a competitive arts space. is not a rite or ritual based on any prescribed religious faith. it does not replace therapy even though there are numerous emotionally therapeutic benefits to those who take the program. while there are considerable amounts of intellectual and philosophical reasoning sessions, it is neither an intellectual nor a philosophical entertainment. these sessions serve the purpose of looking deeply at ourselves and our arts practice. YEMOYA is not a rest cure, a holiday, or an opportunity for socializing. it is not an escape from the trials and tribulations of everyday life.
what YEMOYA is
YEMOYA is an intensive artist residency for people from across the globe. it is an opportunity for artists to learn and teach other artists about themselves and each other. YEMOYA fosters a holistic creative environment, mentored by d’bi.young anitafrika. it is an opportunity for artists to live closer in nature and uncover their own arts process. a deep personal journey towards truth is taken by each resident artist. it is an opportunity for artists to uncover their integrity and create art that makes a positive contribution to society. YEMOYA is an oppression-free space. we do not tolerate discrimination of any kind including but not limited to discrimination based of race, gender, ability, sexual orientation, class, height, size shade of skin or country of origin.
YEMOYA and self-discipline
the process of artistic introspection is certainly never easy. artists have to work very hard at it. by their own efforts artists arrive at their own realizations; no one else can do this for them. therefore, the residency will suit only those willing to work seriously and observe the discipline, which is there for the benefit of the artists and is an integral part of the residency.
three weeks is a very short time in which to delve into ourselves and our art; commitment to an ongoing practice of self-interrogation, analysis, and integrity are the keys to success. the YEMOYA code of discipline is in place to help the program to run smoothly and help the artists in residence maximize the short time in which the residency occurs. respecting the code of discipline creates a very conducive atmosphere for the residency; not respecting it pollutes the space for everyone.
artists in residence stay for the entire period of the course. they do not arrive late or leave early. only those who feel that they can honestly and scrupulously follow the discipline should apply for admission. those not prepared to make a determined effort will waste their time and money, moreover, will affect the other artists who wish to work seriously. prospective artists should also understand that it would be both disadvantageous and inadvisable to leave without finishing the residency upon finding the discipline too difficult. likewise, it would be most unfortunate if, in spite of repeated reminders, an artist disregards the code of discipline and has to be asked to leave.
serious mental challenges
people with serious mental challenges have occasionally come to the YEMOYA residency with the expectation that the course will cure or alleviate mental issues. unstable interpersonal relationships and a herstory of various treatments can be additional factors which make it challenging for people who live with mental issues to benefit from, or even complete, a residency. our capacity as an arts training course makes it impossible for us to properly care for those with these realities. although YEMOYA is emotionally and psychologically beneficial for most who attend the residency and the program serves as therapeutic process towards holistic healing, it is not a substitute for appropriate treatment and we do not recommend it for people with serious mental issues.
the code of discipline
the foundation of the residency is the sorplusi priniciples of: self-knowledge, orality, rhythm, political content and context, language of communication, urgency, sacredness, and integrity; alongside the 5 pillars of holistic health: creative, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual.
agreements
all who attend the YEMOYA residency are asked:
1. to abstain from killing any being
2. to abstain from stealing
3. to participate fully in residency activities
4. to abstain from telling lies
5. to abstain from all intoxicants
6. to abstain from discriminating against anyone
during residency sessions
confidentiality/safety
please respect the privacy of all participants in the residency. if you plan to allude to anyone else’s experience outside the space, please have the courtesy to contextualize your learning and how it is affecting you without having to recall people’s names and the direct details of their stories.
no discrimination
the space is a safe and equitable space. there is no discrimination allowed based on race, gender, class, sexual orientation, ability, size, age, shade of skin, nationality, ethnic origin etc.
critique as compassion/give each other the time of day
translate compassion as a positive. when offering criticism to other residents, please avoid using language that creates walls or privilege certain people’s opinions. it’s ok to disagree, but let’s find ways where we can disagree but still be hopeful.
own our experiences/emotions/reactions/use the word I when talking about our realities
a part of not projecting our experiences unto each other is claiming the ‘I’ when we speak about our realities. claim our feelings always.
room for personal disclosure
residents have the right to be ‘in’ the space as well as ‘outside’ the space.
talking stick as a checking mechanism
on occasion we may use a talking stick located in the centre of the circle as a checking mechanism in moments of high resolution, conflict, and emotion. the talking stick can also be a signal for leaving the space and if you need someone to be with you. if you don’t want to interrupt what is going on, you are free to just get up and go.
everyone is responsible for cleaning up the split rice
no ostracization of residents in the group is permitted. we are all responsible for dialoguing about communication or other issues regarding each other and should not alienate anyone from the group if they ‘offend’ us in some way; but instead discuss the issue among the group or with the particular person.
commitment to the rules
don’t be afraid to remind other resident artists of the ground rules. try to review them before coming to the residency sessions.
be open to different perspective
we may have similar experiences however be open to each other’s diverse realities and points of view.
check-in/check-out
for each class, approximately ten minutes will be set aside at the beginning for a check-in, and then another ten minutes at the end for the check-out. please limit your individual check-in/check-out to 1-2 minutes.
intoxicants and drugs
no drugs, alcohol, or other intoxicants should be brought to the residency; this also applies to tranquilizers, sleeping pills, and all other sedatives. those taking medicines or drugs on a doctor’s prescription should notify YEMOYA.
tobacco
for the health and comfort of all students, smoking or chewing tobacco are not permitted at the course.
food
this is a vegan residency. artist are kindly requested to make do with the simple vegan meals provided in their food and accommodation package. the residency management endeavors to prepare a wholesome, balanced menu. if any residents have been prescribed a special diet because of ill-health, they should inform the YEMOYA at the time of application. fasting is not permitted.
clothing
jamaica is a tropical country. sometimes it rains. evenings and nights can be cooler. dress accordingly.
laundry and bathing
no washing machines or dryers are available, so artists should bring sufficient clothing that is simple to hand wash and hang dry.
residency financesYEMOYA course fee is a donation of $3330 canadian. this includes food, accommodation, program tools and instruction. artists given scholarships are asked to donate $1333 to cover the cost of food, accommodation and inland transportation. the donations is non-returnable. it is through course donations that YEMOYA is able to provide the international artist residency. other financial and resource donations are also accepted.
