Streetwise Opera: The Open Fund for Organisations
Streetwise Opera is an award-winning performing arts charity and opera company for people affected by homelessness. They are a leading commissioner of contemporary opera; having commissioned 24 composers over the past 14 years. Streetwise Opera’s work is unique, in that they bring together professional artists with people affected by homelessness (the performers) to create new work that is representative of and relevant to our diverse society.
They comment ‘We place equal emphasis on artistic excellence and social impact. By bringing together Streetwise Opera performers and professional artists, the artistic outcome is greater than the sum of its parts.With the support from the PRS Foundation, we will commission two new co-created operas in London and Manchester in 2021.’
In each city, a composer will work with a stage director, choreographer, designer and a new performing company comprised of Streetwise Opera performers (people affected by homelessness) and conservatoire students, to co-create music and text. Each new company will embark on a five-day intensive project to create their chamber opera, culminating in a (live or digital) premiere performance and symposium event in March and April 2021 (depending on Covid-19 guidelines and restrictions).