THE BACKSTORY

In 2022 we were supported for the first time as resident artists during which we were proposed with the opportunity of meeting 5 programmers that were important in the field.

An encounter that could help us achieve more through their network, eventual support and could pave the way to having our productions programmed in various locations.

WHAT WENT WRONG?

We did not form any meaningful relationship, received any real form of support nor any proposal to program any of our productions.

Some of the meetings went relatively well but were not able to be converted into an actual collaboration of any kind other meetings were incredibly tough to get through.

Here is a quick overview of the statements that these 5 programmers, who we will leave unnamed have made.

Programmer 1: Your company is already too established. I do not have the possibility to craft the vision of the company together with you so I do not see how I could help you further.

Programmer 2: Your company is too small. With the kind of that you it is simply not established enough to support you in any way or kind. Maybe in 5 to 8 years time?

Programmer 3: Your work looks exactly like the work of Peeping Tom. If you want to set yourself apart you really need to think differently and come up with your own ideas.

Programmer 4: While I think you are doing a good job and love the vision of the company, I can not support your work because the funding of our institution has just been cut.

Programmer 5: I do not program performances.

ANY REGRETS?

As this was the first time for us to pitch our work to a group of programmers, we have just taken this as a learning experience.

Therefore there are no real regrets because we did the best we could have done with the limited amount of experience we had.

WHAT HAVE YOU LEARNED?

Not every opportunity that comes your way will be the break-through of your career.

It is better to foster longterm relationships with people that connect to your work than to chase people in important positions that do no understand your vision.

Sometimes it’s simply about timing, sometimes it’s simply not the right match-up. As long as you keep working and improving on your craft eventually you will start amassing an audience and the right opportunities will come your way.