'Beyond Pressure' is an independent art organization created to contribute towards the expanding of Myanmar art boundaries. It is initiated and run by local artists who work in their communities to create projects that open up spaces for self-expression and discourse. As an organization, it operates fluidly, utilizing and forming networks according to necessity. It is therefore an organization close to the ground, highly adaptable, connected and efficient in the restrictive social context of Myanmar. It is one of the most significant as well as the well known art festival in Myanmar.
Our foremost aim is to develop the Myanmar performance art scene by producing an annual festival where foreign and local artists can exchange ideas through workshops, symposia and performances. We want to show in practice that it is possible in contemporary Myanmar to do outstanding and daring performance art in more public spaces, so that we can connect with more people. We aim to engage local media by speaking about Beyond Pressure in popular local journals, magazine, radio & TV channels in order to encourage the idea of performance art in the general cultural consciousness. We also seek to increase international discourse on Myanmar contemporary art by developing our international networks through the festival and beyond. We work on principles of inclusiveness, negotiation and flexibility, aspiring always to go beyond the pressure instead of resisting it.
Our mission is two-fold. Firstly, we aim to create from within, spaces and forums in which people in Myanmar can take part in the representation of themselves, thus reaffirming our place in the global community. Furthermore, through the global power of assembly that art provides, we aim to present critical alternatives to how Myanmar is perceived by the outside world. As its name implies, we aim to go beyond the pressures from within and without that restrict movement and development on a human scale. We truly hope to nurture youths and newcomers alike to the possibilities of art as a social force.
With the organization now in its fourth year, sustainability becomes a central aim. Past activities have allowed us to create many international and local networks. We remain committed to maintaining and building on these bridges, so that they continue to feed into our mission.
