Meet Yu Bai
About
Yu Bai (she/her) is a dramaturg and creative producer in Berlin's independent performing arts scene since 2019. Prior to this, she worked as a journalist and creative strategist in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. She holds a B.B.A in Business Management from Hanze University Groningen, a B.A. in Culture and Language Studies and an M.A. in New Media and Digital Culture with a focus on Performing Arts from Utrecht University, NL.
As a dramaturg and creative producer, she encourages artistic experimentation that transcends traditional art genres, avoiding rigid divisions. Her focus is on supporting projects that challenge the conventional relationship between the audience and art. She further facilitates networking and knowledge exchange among artists and various cultural and political entities through workshop, network event and presentation formats. To achieve this, she work closely with Tanzbüro Berlin and Kreativ Kultur Berlin. Her frequent collaborations extend to PAP and Dachverband Tanz Deutschland.
Commited to independent performing artists
As an advocate for independent performing artists. She achieves this through her preposition to collaborate with artists on a creative partnership. She applies practical knowledge and detail oriented methods to translate artistic ideas into concrete projects. This involves critical analysis, content development, budgeting, creative strategy (including securing funding, partners, and venues), preparing grant applications and working as an outside-eye.
She extends her support to young performing artists through consultation to develop their projects, with a particular preference for themes related to queer ecology, critical perspectives on capitalism, decolonialism, and self-critical working methods.
Principles
In her capacity as a workshop facilitator, she collaborates with Tanzbüro Berlin, offering the workshop "From Dance to Text." In collaboration with Kreativ Kulture Berlin, she offers the workshop "Turning an Idea into a Proposal," together with Elena Polzer from ehrliche arbeit. She has secured funding from European commissions for Culture and Media, the Goethe Institut, and various sources within the German public funding scheme.
Following presents a summary of five principles she developed to froster a better working condition for artists and culture managers in the independent art scene.
Be aware of your privileges
Acknowledge the various privileges each artist, presenter, promotor, producer, culture manager brings to the creative space, such as race, gender, educational, socio-economic status, and access to resources. Use these privileges as tools to actively create inclusivity and opportunities for individuals who have been historically marginalized. By recognizing and leveraging our privileges, we contribute to a more equitable and diverse artistic landscape.
Be respectful to the community
Art doesn't exist in a vacuum; it is deeply connected to the community from which it arises. Artists, producers, culture managers have the responsibility to engage with and contribute to the public, understanding that their work has an impact beyond the studio, stage or gallery. By embracing this interconnectedness, artists and producers can create meaningful and resonant art that reflects the shared experiences and values of the community.
How to collaborate?
Actively seek and cultivate a network of collaborators and supporters, emphasizing collaboration as a powerful method for growth and the development of art creation, production and distribution. Foster an inclusive culture where every contributor is valued, regardless of their background and experience level, encouraging a non-hierarchical collaboration that values the individual's varied experiences.
Approach the work with a deliberate, slow, and detailed focus
This emphasizes the importance of meticulous attention to detail in the artistic process and production management. By taking the time to scrutinize and refine our work, we ensure a higher quality of craftsmanship and depth in artistic expression. This principle encourages artists and producers to engage in a thoughtful, unhurried creative process, resulting in work that stands out for its precision and meaningfulness.
Embrace Sustainable Art Practices
Acknowledge the environmental footprint of artistic projects, consider the lifecycle of materials used, opting for eco-friendly options when possible. Embrace practices that reduce waste, reuse materials, and recycle responsibly. By integrating sustainability into not only the production and touring, but also the artistic process, artists could contribute to a healthier planet and inspire awareness of the interconnectedness between art and the environment. This fosters a culture of responsibility and conscious creation by minimizing environmental impact and promoting ethical practices.
