Curriculum Vitae

Šárka Benedová, a Czech-born interdisciplinary artist and saxophonist based in Stavanger, Norway, is known for her innovative fusion of movement, music, and site-specific performance. With a BA in Contemporary Dance Pedagogy from the Music and Arts University of Vienna (MUK), Šárka has further developed her practice through Erasmus programs in Portugal and Norway, where she honed skills in choreography, improvisation, and contact improvisation. Her educational background also includes a BA in Transcultural Communication from the University of Vienna, providing a strong foundation for her work’s intercultural and communicative elements.

Šárka's career spans various artistic roles, including as co-founder and manager of Kunstgrillen, an interdisciplinary ensemble that produces projects merging dance, live music, and site-responsivity. Notable projects such as Birds & Smalltalk, a family-friendly interdisciplinary performance, and Porcelain Confessions, created in collaboration with Atul Giri and Helene Düring Kjær, reflect her commitment to public engagement and creating art accessible to a wide audience. Her work with Kunstgrillen has transformed public spaces across Norway and Europe, inviting audiences to experience art beyond traditional boundaries.

As a saxophonist, Šárka has incorporated her musical skills into both collaborative and solo projects, highlighting her experimental approach to sound and movement. Her solo project Swan on a Leash is an ambient saxophone exploration that deepens her connection to soundscapes and spatial interaction. This project, alongside other performances, demonstrates her dedication to pushing the boundaries of live music and performance. In addition to her artistic practice, she is an active educator, leading Contact Improvisation Stavanger at KRA, a collaborative art space, and teaching workshops across Europe.

Šárka’s work is frequently supported by grants from various funding bodies including Arts Council Norway, Stavanger Kommune, Rogaland Fylkeskommune, FFUK, and others, with her projects appearing at festivals, residencies, and art spaces throughout Norway, Denmark, Austria, and the Czech Republic. Her practice continues to evolve, focusing on fostering human connection, accessibility, and a shared experience of art in public spaces.