How can we support each other to build an open and thriving culture of live performance in the West Midlands?
An invitation from China Plate, Jade Samuels, and Stan’s Cafe
We know that the theatre and live performance sector currently faces huge challenges and that the economic crisis threatens access into the industry and career progression. But we also know that connecting and sharing ideas can help us to survive, to solve problems, and to thrive.
During the Commonwealth Games, the performing arts had never been more visible in the West Midlands. Birmingham 2022 Festival demonstrated the abundance of talent in our region and gave opportunities for a greater diversity of voices to be heard. Now we want to keep talking and share ideas about what’s next and how we work together to make that happen.
If you’re interested in thinking about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead, while also meeting other creatives and companies from across the West Midlands, then this event is for you. It is a chance for theatre and live performance people to gather together, make new alliances, strengthen existing bonds, and work together towards a better future.
The gathering will be facilitated using Open Space, an active, democratic way of meeting in which attendees set their own agenda to ensure issues they are concerned with are addressed. Attendees choose what discussions they engage with, when and for how long. The spirit is open and focused on producing positive outcomes.
Previous Open Space gatherings in this region have led to new collaborations and have kick started and shaped initiatives including BE Festival, Pilot Nights, The Optimists, First Bite & Bite Size Festival and East Meets West.
If you are interested to learn more about Open Space, here are some useful websites:
https://openspaceworld.org/wp2/
https://www.devotedanddisgruntled.com/about-open-space-technology
© Stan's Cafe
Hot, cold and soft drinks will be supplied along with unhealthy biscuits. Please bring a packed lunch if you tend to get hungry at lunch. There are cafes and take-aways on the doorstep.
The gathering is FREE but please do sign up in advance on EventBrite as we need to know how many people are coming.
THIS EVENT HAS NOW PASSED.
We actively encourage attendance from people of all backgrounds, of different ages, genders, social and economic backgrounds, ethnicities, religions and sexual orientations, and from people who are disabled, D/deaf, or have chronic health conditions. We want this event to be accessible to the whole theatre and live performance community so please do let us know in advance with any access requirements you have by emailing [email protected]
EVENT DETAILS
Date: Monday 5 June
Times: 9:30am – 17:00pm
Our Facility (Stan’s Cafe’s base)
Oakdale Centre
Umberslade Road
Birmingham
B29 7RZ
What3Words/// dawn.affair.choice
Directions are available to download below.