International work and touring have been central parts of the arts as we know them. But is that about to change?
Join us as we discuss rethinking international work and touring Friday 26 November 10:15-11:15am GMT.
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This event can be found in the programme by selecting Nov 26.
Conversations about re-thinking international work in the arts, and the relatively new ‘slow touring’ concepts, are framed by a challenging backdrop for most artists starting or restarting their international careers. Challenges that include the climate emergency, Brexit, the global pandemic, colonial practices, and inequality.
Alison Woods (NoFit State) and Gift Chansa (Circus Zambia) will open the session with experiences from the ‘Drum Up a Circus’ collaboration, which ignited their rethinking of international work. When NoFit State were unable to travel to Zambia in 2020, the company changed its approach entirely. Up until then, more than 70% of the company’s income had come from international tours. Now, their local global approach is certainly a curtain raiser, even if the barriers facing the company feel, at times, like a showstopper.
The event will be hosted by Eluned Haf (Head of Wales Arts International), and we'll be joined by a number of experts:
Anna Walsh is the Executive Director of Theatre Forum (TFI) - Ireland’s performing arts resource organisation - and co-established the Green Arts Initiative in Ireland. TFI closely work with partners including Creative Carbon Scotland, producing a varied programme of events for members.
Alison Woods, originally from mid-Wales, has been Executive Director at NoFit State Circus since 2006. She previously worked as a producer and director for companies throughout Wales, England, France, and the former Yugoslavia.
Ben Twist applies complexity theory to social systems, combining vast experience as a theatre director and expertise in climate change. He’s developed Creative Carbon Scotland into a leader in technical support for cultural organisations’ carbon reduction and adaptation work and developing culture’s influencing role in addressing climate change.
Gift Chansa is the Co-Founder & Artistic Director of Circus Zambia, an organisation that equips young people with skills, educational support, and employment opportunities through circus. Gift is a producer and writer keen on international collaboration and creative projects.
Gwendolenn Sharp, Founder of The Green Room, develops strategies for environmental change in the music industry. She’s worked with international cultural institutions, festivals and environmental NGOs, and has diverse experience in tour management, production, project design and international cooperation.
Supported by On The Move (the cultural mobility information network) and Arts Infopoint UK, we will consider the practical and new opportunities that will emerge from re-thinking international work. This is the first of four catalyst conversations, as we look to continue the series in Ireland, Northern Ireland and Scotland.