One of the objectives for No Boundaries, to be held simultaneously in Bristol and York on 25-26 February, is to host conversations which engage people from all parts of the cultural industry. The event describes itself as ‘an open symposium on the role of culture in 21st century society, accessible for established cultural leaders and for those who are discovering their leadership role’.
No Boundaries is supported by Arts Council England and the British Council as part of a commitment to convene and strengthen cultural organisations in the UK and internationally: “By sharing provocative ideas from a diverse range of sources, new models, methods and collaborations will grow to shape the future of the arts”.
While demand has been high for delegate passes at the Artist/Independent tier, organisers have reported to a-n the feedback from artists who’d like to be part of this two-day debate but can’t afford a ticket.
Free delegate passes
In response to this, and with the support of University of the West of England and University of Bristol, 20 free delegate passes specifically for emerging independent artists are on offer. In the first instance, the priority is to help emerging working artists from all disciplines. (Note that eligibility extends to those over 30 despite the wording in the application format.)
Watershed Producer Jonathan Harper said: “The Artist/Independent tier sold out first, and we added additional capacity to it. At present this group will make up the largest number of delegates at the conferences. Although our preference is to encourage artists under 30, we recognise that others who define themselves as emerging can apply, bring these important voices into the discussion with those who already have a platform.”
How to apply
Passes will be selected by ballot, depending on availability, for York and Bristol. If you’ve already purchased an artist ticket you can still enter the ballot and if successful, your ticket will be reimbursed in full. To apply, email [email protected] before 5pm on Tuesday 11 February with the following info:
– Confirmation that you are an artist working professionally from a base in England and where this base is.
– Your Name.
– Age under 30 yes/no.
– Email and phone contact details.
– Your artistic practice.
All applicants will be notified of the results of the ballot by Friday 14 February.
a-n’s No Boundaries Briefing
If you secure a free place or are already booked for this event and want to take messages to it about the value of artists and the impact of the Paying artists research within artists’ livelihoods, please contact [email protected] and ask for our ‘Pay artists – No Boundaries Briefing’.
Supplied in e-format, it will provide you with a range of useful facts and figures you can use in panel discussions, or if you want to set up an ad hoc ‘breakout group’.
