This August ASSITEJ Bulletin includes national and international updates from the youth arts sector.

TNA STUFF

Announcing the new ASSITEJ Advisory Committee

We are very pleased to announce the new committee for 2021/22! The committee will meet quarterly to advise TNA and ASSITEJ rep Sue Giles, providing valuable insight and updates from the youth arts and theatre for young audiences sector: 

Sarah Parsons (NSW), Helen Hristofski (WA), Christian Leavesly (VIC), Romi Kupfer (VIC), Rhen Soggee (SA), Louise Wellington (NT), Aleshia Johnson (ACT), Belinda Kelly (TAS), Tariro Mavondo (VIC), Zac James (WA), and Kevin Du Preez (NSW). A QLD representative is currently being confirmed.

TNA’s new General Manager Joshua Lowe will be taking on all things ASSITEJ, alongside Nicole and our ASSITEJ rep, Sue Giles. Josh is the former founding Artistic Director of Hobart’s youth dance company, DRILL, and has worked extensively in the youth arts sector.

International update from Sue Giles AM – President ASSITEJ International

The ASSITEJ Executive has new working groups that recognise the changes in our sector and the way the world works – Policies and Protocols, Networking, Communications and Assitej online.  International network news includes a new book on Diversity, Representation and Culture in TYA (ITYARN); announcing the 2021 ASSITEJ Inspirational Playwrights; an online Showcase (Young Dance Network); and a call for nominations for the Valeria Fabetti Award for work for 0 – 3 year olds. Read more here. 

ASSITEJ Sector Video

TNA worked with Amelia Ducker to create an inspiring video celebrating work made with and for young people across Australia. The video premiered at the ASSITEJ World Congress/ MIRAI Festival in March 2021, presenting Australia’s Theatre for Young Audiences and Youth Arts Sector to international delegates. It was screened again in May 2021 at NEIGHBOURHOOD, the first of five Australian Theatre Forum 2021 events held in partnership with Australian Performing Arts Market (APAM) and DreamBIG Festival.

The 15 min video proudly reflects the breadth of work we create and varied contexts within which we create; showcases our diversity of practice, practitioners and audiences; and highlights the unique work being made in Australia. Grab a cuppa tea and Click here to watch the video.

S2M Executive Leader Meetups

TNA is hosting a number of small, informal, online gatherings for executive leaders of small to medium arts organisations. These are an opportunity to see each other once again, and share struggles, challenges, solutions and ideas. We invite you to attend one of the state meetups, and/or a national meetup. Click here to RSVP.

VIC Meetups (VIC Orgs only): August 5th & 23rd
NSW Meetup (NSW Orgs only) – in partnership with Theatre Network NSW: August 11th
National Meetups: August 9th & 20th

ATF #2: Indie Career Pathways

An opportunity for young/emerging artists: 11:00 AM–12:00 PM (AEST) on Wednesday 4th August for a one-hour online session, where you can meet two leading Australian Creatives. Including:  Michelle Law (Writer), Melanie Lane (Performer & Choreographer), Victoria Falconer (Performer & Musical Director) and Emily O’Brien (Production Manager & Risk Consultant).Places are limited, so register online here before 9 AM Tuesday 3rd August.
 

NATIONAL STUFF

Diasporas – Commissions Now Open

Opportunity for young people of colour between the age of 15 – 25 to engage with Multicultural Arts Victoria.

INFINITY Platform Arts Auditions – Unpaid

Platform Arts is seeking artists aged 10-26 who are interested in devising and performing live and digital projects; including but not limited to theatre, podcasts and screen works. Final works are to be presented in Geelong and across local and international festivals. EOIs are currently open.

An Arts and Culture Plan for Australia – Your voice needed

There is currently a very live opportunity for Australia to have a national Arts and Culture Plan, and one that includes a robust vision for supporting the theatre for young audiences and youth arts sector. But we must get involved early!

Independent think tank A New Approach published an analysis paper: Preparing for an Arts and Culture Plan, which analyses other federal plans we can learn from. TNA also understands the federal Inquiry into the Creative Industries is close to reporting, and we are hoping that it recommends the development of such a plan, with sector input. Read TNA’s call for investment in a Young People and Culture Plan as part of our inquiry submission. 

With a federal election looming, you can start to write to your local member now! 
 

INTERNATIONAL STUFF

Children & Their Grownups Showcase

An opportunity to engage with Dance for young audiences sector. 29 Sep to 2 Oct 2021. From 0 to 30 Euros.

World Festival Overview

If you want to stay updated about festivals related to theatre and the performing arts for young audiences, have a look at ASSITEJ’s world festival overview.

Call for Performances

ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering (May 17-22, 2022) at Bibu Festival in Sweden calls for international performances that are visioned, produced and creatively led by Indigenous Performing Artists. Deadline 1 October 2021. Read more here.

International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) CultureCrew Festival

A virtual global gathering around youth-selected performing arts on October 11-22, 2021. Features a selection of youth-chosen productions and a series of developmental learning opportunities. More information on registrations coming soon. 

International Performing Arts for Youth (IPAY) Live Showcase Set for Jan 2023

Due to ongoing COVID-19 safety precautions, IPAY will not be hosting a live Showcase in January 2022. A live Showcase is scheduled for January 2023, with artist applications opening in February 2022.

UNESCO Tracker Culture & Public Policy #10 focuses on Young People

The monthly Tracker is produced by UNESCO to monitor culture in public policy with regards to the UN Sustainable Development Agenda. The June 2021 edition focuses on Culture and Youth. Read here.

Read the Policy Papers from European Theatre Convention

The European Theatre Convention has published a series of policy papers in 2021 about diversity, youth theatre and participatory theatre. Read here.

Call for Acts of Welcome – Little Amal

For World Refugee Week 2021, Good Chance Theatre calls on all artists and creatives worldwide to join a social media movement to welcome Little Amal, a 3.5 metre puppet of a 9-year-old girl who will walk from the Syrian border to the UK in search of her mother. Read more here.

Call out for Performances and Young Participants

The third edition of the International Online Theatre Festival for Young People “Better than Us” will take place August 24 – 29, 2021. There is a call out for videos of performances to be viewed/discussed by young critics, and also for young people to participate. Read more here.