“A unique and underrated filmmaker, nobody like her. Born of the Italian neo-realists, formed of her own Scottish pragmatism, optimism, generosity and experimental spirit, and a clear forerunner of the English experimental directors of the late 20th century. A clear example of, and pioneer of, the poetic tradition, the experimental tradition, the democratic tradition, in the best of risk-taking Scottish cinema.”  Ali Smith, www.luxonline.org.uk

OPEN CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS for 2012

Glasgow Film Festival is pleased to announce that nominations are now open for the third year of the Margaret Tait Award, supported by Creative Scotland and in partnership with LUX. This award will recognise Scottish or Scotland-based artists who are experimental, innovative and who work within film and moving image.

The Margaret Tait Award was launched in 2009 by Glasgow Film Festival, inspired by the pioneering Orcadian filmmaker Margaret Tait (1918–1999).

The aim of the award is to support artists and provide a high profile platform from which to exhibit their work and engage with a wider audience. The recipient of the award will be given a £10,000 prize to make a new piece of work and the opportunity to present their new commission at Glasgow Film Festival 2013. LUX, the international arts agency for the support and promotion of artists’ moving image practice will support the artist in gaining further exhibition opportunities.

The winner of the inaugural 2010 Margaret Tait Award was Torsten Lauschmann. His work, At the Heart of Everything a Row of Holes, an interactive, satirical celebration of the conquest of technology was premiered at GFF 2011 and subsequently went on tour to London and New York.

Anne-Marie Copestake is winner of the 2011 award and her unique film commission And Under That will be premiered at GFF 2012 on Wednesday 22 February (21.00).

The work combines footage of the images and the sounds surrounding two women, creating a portrait through the acts of looking and listening. Immediately following the screening a live soundtrack will be performed by Glasgow-based musician, composer and producer Stevie Jones and band Muscles of Joy, of which Anne-Marie is a member.

Scott Donaldson, Portfolio Manager for Creative Scotland said: “The Margaret Tait Award has provided talented artists such as Anne-Marie Copestake and Torsten Lauschmann with a platform to engage with audiences in new ways. It provides the artist with the space and time to extend their creative practice within the medium of film and moving image and develop new partnerships with the film industry. We look forward to seeing another talented artist being selected in 2012: The Year of Creative Scotland.

“For the first year ever we are also delighted to support emerging talent through the Creative Futures programme in the form of a The Margaret Tait Residency at the Pier Arts Centre.”

NEW RESIDENCY IN ORKNEY ANNOUNCED FOR 2012

Glasgow Film Festival is pleased to announce that applications are now open for the first Margaret Tait Residency, supported by Creative Scotland and in partnership with LUX and the Pier Arts Centre in Orkney.

Targeted at emerging Scottish or Scotland-based artists whose practise strongly involves moving image and film and who will benefit from a focused period of filmmaking in a stimulating environment outwith their typical studio base. The chosen recipient will undertake a six-week residency in summer 2012 in Stromness, Orkney, hosted by the Pier Arts Centre.

The results of the Margaret Tait Residency will have high profile exhibition opportunities with partners Glasgow Film Festival and Pier Arts Centre, and will be additionally supported by LUX, the London-based UK agency for the support and promotion of artists working with the moving image.

Andrew Parkinson, Curator of the Pier Arts Centre said: “The Pier Arts Centre has had a long association with Margaret Tait and her work. The Pier was a favoured venue for screenings of the artist’s work during her lifetime and we now hold an archive of her films. We are delighted to be working with Glasgow Film Festival and LUX in London, to develop Margaret’s legacy and we look forward to welcoming artists creating innovative new work in film and moving image to Orkney this summer.”

Glasgow Film Festival Margaret Tait Award – nominations for 2012 now open. Please see http://www.glasgowfilm.org/festival/glasgow_film_awards for details.

Glasgow Film Festival Margaret Tait Residency – applications for 2012 now open. Please see http://www.glasgowfilm.org/festival/glasgow_film_awards/margaret_tait_residency for details.

Source: Glasgow Film Festival