Last year’s Kindling Arts Festival was one for the books — the theme was “Counterculture,” so while all the performances were varied, they were unified by a through line of radical subversion. This year’s theme, “Imperfections,” will likely take that same subversive mindset and push it to be even more daring, undone and raw. That's a perfect combination for what’s become Nashville’s most exciting performance festival.
If you’re based in Middle Tennessee and want to be involved, there’s good news: The nonprofit is accepting applications now through March 4, and there’s no fee to apply. This year’s fest will take place July 18 through 21 at venues across West Nashville, including but not limited to OZ Arts and Darkhorse Theater.
What kinds of proposals is Kindling interested in? According to their press release, Kindling welcomes proposals from “artists working in theater, dance, music, multimedia, burlesque, comedy, cabaret, circus, immersive art, interdisciplinary forms, or unclassifiable experiences.” Unclassifiable experiences! This is truly an experimental theater lover's dream.
“The incredible momentum around the annual Kindling Arts Festival fills us with joy and excitement as we approach 2024,” artistic directors Jessika Malone and Daniel Jones said in a joint statement. “We love hearing from our community of dynamic, brilliant artists about their most daring creations, which can only have a home with Kindling Arts. We look forward to embracing imperfection and taking brave new risks with the incredibly talented performing artists thriving in Nashville.”
Brave, daring, risky and imperfect — that’s an ideal stage for galvanizing excitement. Can’t wait to see what Nashville can do. Submit your proposal via Kindling Arts' website at kindlingarts.com/artist-applications.
