Young People and the Arts Australia (YPAA) & ASSITEJ – OCTOBER 2015 UPDATE

What’s happening around the world in Theatre for Young People.
Sue Giles, ASSITEJ Australia rep.
There is an obvious trend around the world toward conservative policy and a reduction (and collapse in some cases) of funding support for the arts and the children and youth sector specifically.  Sector leaders in Denmark point to competitive, economic-driven models of culture. The Danish model of theatre for children works almost entirely in schools and libraries and the over-stretched curriculum means there is increasingly no room for performance in schools, and time for free play is also being cut. This situation is familiar in many more countries in Europe and North America, and of course in Australia. In Europe, the added stress around migration of refugees and the themes rising from the conflict between governments and communities are being seen in more and more works for young audiences. This was particularly true in Berlin in May this year at the Augenblik Mal! Festival.  The performing arts is present as a voice for progression, compassion and awareness, expressed in many forms and for many ages.

Other News and Coming Up in TYP
Birmingham in 2016 – On the Edge festival and ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering allows opportunities for delegates to experience a fantastic festival but also for young and emerging artists to participate in the Next Generation program. More Info Here. 

Next ASSITEJ congress is in South Africa 2017 – there is a currently call out for productions. The organisation is particularly interested in collaboration projects between African countries and the world. There will be a call out for workshop and seminar applications soon. All details here.

Alex Desebrock has returned from her residency with the ASSITEJ Germany international directors seminar at Mannheim. Read her report here.