SAVE THE DATE
19 & 20 January 2012, Dundee Rep Theatre
Pathways to the Profession Symposium Addressing the issues inhibiting inclusion of disabled people in the performing arts. Scottish Dance Theatre (SDT) is leading on an important and timely Symposium which will examine the gaps and address the issues inhibiting inclusion of disabled people in the performing arts. In its newly published Corporate Plan, Creative Scotland recognises ‘the need to address barriers to full inclusion in the arts, whether these are physical, attitudinal, social or procedural’ putting equalities and access at the top of the performing arts agenda. We invite you to be a part of this new era. THE SYMPOSIUM Scottish Dance Theatre will work in partnership with Dundee Rep, Creative Scotland and The Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama (RSAMD), along with a number of other national partners, to run a two day Symposium in Dundee on 19th & 20th January 2012. The Symposium is aimed at disabled artists (from aspiring to professional), those working with young disabled people, performing arts training providers/organisations, and arts industry employers. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES We aim to bring about a cultural shift in thinking about disabled people in the performing arts and to move from a place of awareness to a place of action and increase the number of disabled people involved in the arts. Our objectives are: · To explore, map and document pathways into the profession from discovering talent to employment; · To bring together those involved in arts education to share and learn from models of good practice; ·
To dispel myths and increase knowledge surrounding disability and the arts. Photographer Andy Ross
IMPACTS / BENEFITS For Young People: Increase aspirations; provide role models; open pathways to the profession. For Professionals: Increase confidence; explore new possibilities; provide workable solutions for necessary change. For Partners: Open connections and networks to bring about change; create a sense of community and value. For your Community: Change the aesthetic landscape and thinking; inspire and increase aspirations. For Policy Environment: Influence policy makers by disseminating information re models of best practice. CONCLUSION The Symposium has the potential to contribute towards significant change in equality of opportunity for disabled artists in the performing arts. We recognise that this is a pivotal moment to bring people together to share and learn from models of good practice, to shape the future landscape of equality in the arts and to further strategic thinking about how best to achieve a shared vision.
www.scottishdancetheatre.com
Funded by The National Lottery through Creative Scotland
LankellyChase Foundation
Photo: Andy Rosss
Further details will be distributed throughout 2011. To register your interest visit the Symposium page at www.scottishdancetheatre.com