President of ASSITEJ International, Sue Giles, provides an update on the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering in Marseille:

Reflections from Marseille

The experience of the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering and Bright Generations festival in Marseille in March this year was delightful and all the more enjoyable having such a strong and knowledgeable delegation of Australian theatre sector representatives there. (From SA Mimi Crowe, Andy Packer, Clare Watson and Joshua Hoare and Franca Lafosse – the chosen Australian/Argentinian participant for the New Voices Fellowship. From WA Afeif Ismail, Helen Hristofski and Bobbi Henry from Yirra Yaakin.) All the delegates were supportive of each other both in the lead up and during the event.  With a huge program it was remarkable that we had time to hang out but the Asia/Oceania party was one of the occasions. With a cracking playlist by Franca, the festival delegates danced their socks off and scoffed a table full of Korean and Japanese snacks, sake, soju, Manuka honey and dried Roo – the only thing missing was vegemite sandwiches.

The international Artistic Gathering role is not to sell but to connect ideas, people, practice. The aim is wider and broader and more inclusive than a usual arts festival as its remit is different – the curation of the program must take into consideration all continents in its selection, and so delegates are seeing work they will never have come across before.

I heard people using words like replenishment. Warmth. Positivity. Kindness. Respect. Curiosity. Willingness.  For me, witnessing others having a revelation about ASSITEJ, starting to understand its point of difference and the emotional connection people have and why; the weight and importance of history and the legacy; the need for fresh perspectives; the deep desire for change and fear of change. People reported feeling replenished and filled as artists, impressed by the breadth of thinking and the work ASSITEJ is doing in research, sustainability, access, and including members more closely in the work of the association. Connection and mutual sharing and development was strong. Incidental conversations led to deeper ones.

What this event made clear to me was the hugely positive effect of Australian theatre makers and performers and producers being at face to face events with colleagues from around the world. Our visibility worldwide is one of the issues we face, with only a few companies’ work being known in the global sector. Supporting delegates to international gatherings is vital, especially considering the lack of recognised markets for the CYPA sector, the need for professional development opportunities in Australia and how so many artists and companies rely on touring.

ASSITEJ International provides opportunities for meaningful encounters with colleagues in this sector and being part of this Association has opened many doors for artists in Australia. The organisation is built on relationships and connection, with the aim of promoting the rights of children and young people to arts and culture.