Australian Theatre Forum 2011 – our post lie-down wrap-up
Well, did we ever need a Bex and a good lie down after this year’s ATF. A crew of 280 theatre colleagues from across the country does not a relaxing Forum make – but aren’t we all delighted that’s the case. Between the opening session – with emotional responses to Angharad Wynne-Jones' touching Postcard From the Future, to our wrap-up, three days later, when couplets of slow-moving, close-dancing delegates swayed and dipped one another caringly – we thoroughly exerted our thinking things.
The Open Space sessions, fabulously facilitated by Wesley Enoch, resulted in ten top areas for action: Supporting independents; Mobility and touring; Partnerships and collaborations; Creativity and imagination; New ways of managing; Arts Action politics and money; Digital, NBN and New Opportunities; Young People and Theatre; Environmental Sustainability; and Mix It Up – diversity and barriers to inclusion.
These will be included in a sector submission to the National Cultural Policy this month. Videos of some sessions and links to our fabulous bloggers are up on the ATF website, and there are photos online. Forum notes will be added soon.
Special thanks to Fiona Winning, who did an incredible job of pulling together a full, exciting and provocative program and event; to Rebecca Meston, who project managed with tireless commitment (did she ever leave the rego desk?); and to the rest of the team and volunteers who made it a great success. TNV will continue to be the main contact for ATF and producer of the 2013 Forum, so stay in touch!