A free networking event for promoters of performing arts in Dumfries and Galloway takes place in Sanquhar next month.
The first Arts Live Network Gathering will be delivered over the weekend of Saturday 9 December and Sunday 10 December at A’ the Airts, from 10am to 5pm each day, and includes shows, speakers, training courses and excellent networking opportunities.
Saturday’s event coincides with the official launch of Tourbook in the region and Adrian Lear from the national organisation will give a talk about what the project has to offer venues and promoters in Scotland. Tourbook is a showcasing platform and marketplace for live performances and helps promoters and venues, working at any scale, to connect with performers in dance, theatre, music, comedy and more.
Other speakers on the day include Matt Kitson of the Rural Cinema Project who will explore the possibilities of building partnerships that combine live performance and cinema opportunities. Jude Henderson, Director of the Federation of Scottish Theatre, will provide an overview on touring strategy in rural locations and the ways in which FST supports theatre, dance and opera and professional development. David McDonald, arts director of DG Unlimited, will also give an insight into their work in championing creativity in the region.
Speeches will be interspersed with an introduction and video from the Rural Dance Initiative; three break-out sessions covering the topics of Tourbook, digital marketing and Paragon Access to the Arts; and a dance performance by Emma Jayne Park.
Saturday will wind up with a show of Faslane in Sanquhar Town Hall, presented by award-winning artist Jenna Watt.
The day includes lunch and refreshments.
On Sunday, participants have the choice of two handy training courses for promoters. Chris Marshall of EFAR will lead an accredited First Aid course for event managers, which includes defibrillation. John Dinning, sound engineer with Dumfries and Galloway-based firm Sound Travels, will deliver an introductory training course on sound and lighting.
The Arts Live Network Gathering weekend is free to all and is suitable for anyone working or interested in the performing arts sector in Dumfries and Galloway.
Arts Live programme director Peter Renwick ( main Image) said: “The aim of the event is to bring together people who are involved in promoting performing arts events, or have an interest in doing so. We will look at where we can work together as a sector and connect with the national performing arts scene, ensuring that audiences in Dumfries and Galloway have access to the best quality work.
“We have designed our weekend programme to be informative and useful to participants with key speakers at the head of the industry and opportunities to learn important new skills. We have also included a small showcase of the excellent quality of work being produced in Scotland’s performing arts sector.
“Above all, this is a chance for anyone working in or with the region’s performing arts sector to get to know each other, exchange ideas, voice their opinions and ask questions.
“We look forward very much to welcoming you all to this free event and hope you will take away a very positive experience.”
To book a free place for the event and for further information, visit http://www.dgartsfestival.org.uk/event/the-gathering
Arts Live Promoters and Performing Artists Network is a new project funded by the Scottish Government and the European Union LEADER 2014-20 Programme, Creative Scotland, The Holywood Trust, Dumfries and Galloway Council, DG Unlimited Regional Arts Fund, The Robertson Trust, The William Grant Foundation.
