Utrecht SPRING Performing Arts Festival

Key Information

Information

Application Deadline: 19/02/24 at 9:00 am

Opportunity type: Academic-led trips

Faculty: Art, Design and Humanities

Ref: 10008035

Dates

Departure Date: 23/05/24

Return Date: 27/05/24

Costs

£450: the estimated cost for travel and accommodation. Students will also be required to pay for: festival pass (£90), food and drink, visa (if applicable)

Funding

DMU Global Bursary: £150

Booking

Accommodation: Accommodation will be booked by DMU

Travel: Travel will be booked by DMU

Contact

General Enquiries: Global Mobility Office - dmuglobal@dmu.ac.uk

Trip Lead: Mark Crossley - mcrossley@dmu.ac.uk

How to pay

Payment details: Students will be required to pay £300 as a contribution towards the cost of travel and accommodation after being offered a place on the trip. The DMU Global bursary will be deducted directly from the overall cost of the booking.

Eligibility

DMU students enrolled on BA Performing Arts, Drama and Theatre Arts, Dance, MA Performance Practices, MA Choreography and all students on joint honours are eligible to participate in this opportunity. There are a maximum of 30 places available, with a minimum of 10 participants required for this opportunity to take place. Students are recommended to check the eligibility criteria before applying.

 

Please note, if you have already participated on or been accepted for a DMU Global overseas trip between September 2023 and August 2024 you are not eligible to apply for this opportunity.

 

Students are recommended to apply for no more than 2 overseas opportunities. Further application submissions will not be considered.

About

Trip description

Utrecht Spring festival is one of the most prestigious European performance events, focusing on contemporary theatre and dance. Artists from across Europe and the globe perform in multiple venues across the city in a vibrant two week event.

The purpose of the trip is to immerse students in the Spring Festival (£90) through watching multiple performances, taking part in workshops and attending artist talks. Utrecht is a major cultural city in the Netherlands and students will be immersed in the festival and the social life of the city for four days.

DMU students and staff have participate in this Festival for a number of years, and through the relationships established, the group will have the chance to engage with peers and academics from the Utrecht University. In addition, students will have the opportunity to watch between 4 and 6 unique performances, engage in two workshops and participate in multiple artist talks.


Learning objectives

Participating in a DMU Global opportunity can help you develop a range of skills and competencies that enhance your studies. Through participation in this trip to Utrecht we expect students to:

  • Develop an understanding of interdisciplinary performance techniques within a European context
  • Develop collaborative devising skills through peer-to-peer practical learning
  • Enhance their understanding of European arts networks and the potential for employment post-graduation
  • Develop a heightened awareness of the potential for decolonisation through performance

To maximise the student learning outcomes of this opportunity, pre-trip there will be facilitated discussions with participants to develop strategies to ensure that the aims of attending the festival link directly broader learning on their course. Furthermore, post-trip, students are encouraged to implement learning outcomes from the festival in next years modules and assessments.


Cultural activities

Alongside the activities that will be offered as part of the festival, students are encouraged to take time to explore the beautiful Dutch city of Utrecht. it is recommended to visit St Martin’s Cathedral in the heart of the city, and even to climb the Cathedral tower. Utrecht also has a canal network, and students could take the time explore the Old Canal (Oudegracht), by foot, bike or by boat.

Visa Information

Due to various external factors and an unprecedented demand for international travel, there are significant delays in visa processing, as well as very limited availability of application appointment slots for some countries and embassies.

We recommend that you take all appropriate steps to secure a visa as soon as practically possible, and to notify DMU Global if you face any issues. It is your responsibility to meet the entry requirements of the country you are travelling to. Failing to do so may mean that you’re liable for the costs incurred to the university (including repayment of the DMU Global bursary).