Take part in a mass public artwork in Bristol

Do you want to flip the climate emergency on its head?

We are looking for people from Bristol and the South West that can stand on their head, to collaborate with Brazilian and European artists on a mass public artwork in the centre of Bristol. 


Woods is a jaw-dropping, beautiful piece that sees human bodies create a forest in an urban space. 

The performance Woods is an artistic call for environmental awareness that brings together dance, live performance and visual arts to create a unique and powerful landscape in cities. A human installation that seeks ways for bodies to resist, persist and grow amongst urban concrete.

This artwork travels across Europe this spring before landing in Bristol to change the city forever.  

If you’re a student of dance, yoga, hip-hop, capoeira, circus or gymnastics, an enthusiastic breakdancer or an enthusiastic at-home-headstander – we want to hear from you! All genders, colours, ages are welcome to make this vast forest with us. 

Places will be given on a first-come-first-serve basis. You will need to be able to do a headstand and be present on the following days: 15th, 16th, 17th and 18th June. 

Workshops
15th & 16th June, 1 to 5pm 

Together in a two-day workshop you’ll hear about the concepts of the piece, learn how to sustain the upside-down posture and rehearse the choreography structure. You’ll exchange strategies, help and support each other in order to engage everyone in this collective act against the city concrete, the lack of nature, the climate changes, the missing trees and the forgotten woods.

Performances
17th June at 3:30pm & 18th June at 12pm and 2pm.  

Held outdoors in a public location in the heart of Bristol, your friends and family are welcome to watch you flip the world upside down. 

There will be three shows over two days. Each show will last around 30 minutes. You will need to arrive 1 hour before each performance to prepare and warm up.

Support

Reasonable travel expenses*, childcare, refreshments will be available throughout workshop and performance days and all tree-performers will be invited to a celebratory shared meal with the artists on the evening of Saturday 18th June.

How to apply? 

 You will need to be able to do a headstand to take part. The headstand posture can be done in two ways: with the top of the head and the hands (1) or with the top of the head and the forearm (2).

This opportunity is now closed. If you wish to discuss applying for this opportunity please email [email protected]

Please apply using this link

If you are unsure about anything or you have any questions you can email [email protected] or message us on social media.

  • FAQs

    Who is this for?
    People who can confidently hold a headstand for minimum of 20 seconds. Anyone aged over 18 years old. Anyone under 18 years old will need to take part with a parent/guardian present. Ideally suited to those who undertake leisure activities or are students of dance, yoga, capoeira, hip-hop, circus or gymnastics.

    People who care deeply for the environment and our natural spaces. For those who wish to be part of something bigger, to challenge themselves, to meet new people and try something new. 

    Why take part in this project?
    Be part of a live art experience. Meet new people, make new friends. Experience activism against the climate emergency first-hand, make some noise with us! 

    Expenses
    All tree-performers will be offered reasonable travel expenses*, childcare, refreshments throughout workshop and performance days and an invitation to a celebratory shared meal with artists on the evening of Saturday 18th June. 

    *up to £10 pp with receipts 

    What will happen after I apply?
    After selection, you will be informed if your application has been successful and receive further information about the workshops and performances.