Theatre Forum is now Performing Arts Forum
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In this session’s keynote address Fintan O’Toole, awarded the European Press Prize and Orwell Prize for Journalism, asks how to move beyond borders in a post-Brexit world. Award-winning playwright Abbie Spallen responds from her own border viewpoint.Venue director Patricia McBride reflects on her many border crossings. Chaired by Eugene Downes, this session concludes with Sophie Hayles, Northern Ireland Creative Europe Desk, in conversation with acclaimed director Emma Jordan about supports for artists who want to work beyond borders.

Brexit Shorts, Dramas from a Divided Nation screening The Guardian’s pioneering dramatic collaboration inspired by last year’s EU Referendum offers characters who lay bare our complex responses.


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This is the topic we love to avoid– but can we afford to? If we see combating Climate Change as the world’s biggest adventure narrative,does that help to confront it? In this session led by Catríona Fallon, CEO of Siamsa Tíre, a group of change agents including Ben Twist, Directorof Creative Carbon Scotland, Catherine Bottrill, Creative Green Lead at Julie’s Bicycle and artist,Rachel Helena Walsh, arm us with the mindset and actions essential for an environmentally sustainable society.

Catriona Fallon’s presentation To Sustainability & Beyond

Catherine Bottrill’s presentation Julie’s Bicycle

Creative Green Certification CG_Brochure

Creative Carbon Scotland  Guidance-on-Environment-Connecting-Theme

                                               Green-Arts-Initiative


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With the rise of superstar festivals and a matrix of international artists and companies John McGrath, Manchester International Festival’s CEO & Artistic Director, explores what the future of programming and production looks like. In a follow-on discussion chaired by Jen Coppinger, John is joined by Louise Lowe, ANU Production’s Artistic Director, Judith Knight, Director of Artsadmin and Fearghus ÓConchúir, incoming Director of National Dance Company Wales.

Louise Lowe’s presentation The Future of Production


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On behalf of the Gender Equality Working Group established after #WakingTheFeminists, Olwen Dawe shares the experience and expertise acquired in taking the practical steps to put gender equality policies in place in our theatres and workplaces.

Equality and Reshaping the Culture How to shape an equitable culture in the performing arts? In this session chaired by Tanya Dean, hear about the roots of bullying and harassment in the arts workplace as well as advice for best practice from academic Anne-Marie Quigg. The conference closes with a keynote address CaitrĂ­ona McLaughlin on the value of equality in the arts.

Dr Anne-Marie Quigg’s presentation Bullying in the Arts 2018


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Given recent shifts in arts policy and serious funding cuts, Cian O’Brien of the National Campaign For the Arts (NCFA), Conor Shields of Arts Matter NI, Jennifer Hunter of Culture Counts and delegates examine how our sector might exert influence on policy makers and funders to invest more in the arts.

What is Culture Counts