DIT 2026: The LABUBU EFFECT

About the Open Call

This three-day workshop invites eight artists to investigate contemporary cultures of consumerism – from hype drops and independent boutiques to resale markets and 'cute' collectable unboxing TikToks – as sites of live performance. Led by Paula Varjack, participants will engage in field observation, site-specific experiments, and hybrid micro-performances to map how consumerism influences desire and experiment with ways to perform and disrupt retail rituals. The project explores how consumerism acts as a coping mechanism and a form of belonging in times of financial precarity.

What is Offered

Participation in a three-day intensive workshop, access to studio space at the Attenborough Centre for the Creative Arts, and access to a small collective budget for specific group needs.

Requirements

Applicants should be artists or practitioners with an interest in exploring consumerism as a point of investigation for performance. Participants must be available to attend the full three days in Brighton from July 3–5, 2026, and are responsible for their own travel and accommodation.

How to Apply

Complete the online Application Form at https://forms.gle/roh9Rmhuykamdz8B8. Alternative formats including video or audio applications (maximum 5 minutes) are accepted and should be sent to willy@thisisliveart.co.uk.