The International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) conference will be held in Leeuwarden-Friesland this year, as part of the European Capital of Culture 2018 programme.
The UN predicts that by 2050, 66% of the world population will live in cities. And yet, humankind seems to flourish in smaller communities, regardless of calling the city or the countryside home. In a world that is tense with populism, climate change, conflict and massive migration, the significance of these territories in society seems to be changing. What role do the performing arts choose to play in this transition and in particular, in the countryside?
The programme includes various speakers and artists from the UK:
The Anthony Field Academy with Annete Corbett - 11-12 June
Professionals from the performing arts who have chosen a radical change in their career path share their stories and experiences. What motivated their decision – a conscious choice or an opportunity that presented itself? Have you already reached the point in your career where you had always envisioned you would be? How can you discover what lies waiting beyond the beaten track for you?Annette Corbett will contribute to the discussion about careers of the beaten track.
Oerol Festival with installation by And Now - 15-24 June
Wayfaring will be presented at the Oerol Festival. Enjoy at the impressive installation by And Now
Sutainability Battle with Catherine Bottrill and Ben Todd - 14 June
What does sustainability mean in an urban and rural context and what role can the performing arts play? Touring is essential to our sector and as networkers with a considerable global footprint, should we be the ones who lead by example? Hear experts in this field battle each other over their choice of best practices. Catherine Bottrill from Julie's Bicycle (UK) and Ben Todd from Arcola Theatre (UK) will also join the debate
The New Human Landscape with Abid Hussain - 14 June
In the past five years, migration and nationalism have changed the composition of the global landscape. Waves of migration will change our human landscape forever. What role can we as arts leaders play in the integration of refugees, in particular those who are artists? How are government agencies and institutions coping with this challenge? And how are migrant artists faring as they search for a new stage? Abid Hussain Director Diversity at Arts Council England will speak on the New Human Landscape on 14 June.
Closing Keynote address by Josette Bushell-Mingo - 15 June
British award winning Artistic Director, Actress and freelance Director Josette Bushell-Mingo (Riksteaterns Tyst Teater - Swedish Sign Language Theatre, Sweden) will give the closing keynote address on 15 June.
Tickets and more information
For ticket and more information go to the ISPA website.