Do you think the performing arts matter in this election?

In this key pre election moment this is an invitation to come together at Toynbee Studios, London E1 6AB on the 6th of April at 7:30pm to discuss and engage with the important issues raised by this question.

Dear All,

Through a series of annual and monthly events called ‘Devoted and Disgruntled’ (or D&D), hosted by Improbable, a large network of people from the performing arts have been building a diverse and ever-expanding community. From the annual gathering this January, attended by several hundred people, has come a new groundswell of energy and discussion around the issues that will be important in a general election debate and beyond.

As a direct result of this, and of the activities of associated organisations such as Jericho House, in the past few weeks there have been discussions online and in various newspapers about the commitment of each party to the arts. These have led, for example, to Ed Vaizey, Tory spokesman for the arts, committing to the maintenance of funding to the arts; to the Lib Dems making a matching commitment; and to The Culture Show on the 4th of March, in which each party was quizzed on their arts policies by Alan Yentob.

From the last D&D meeting at the start of this month emerged the desire to widen this debate to include politicians, audiences and other stakeholders, to engage with these questions in a way that involves genuine and constructive debate.

This then is an invitation from this community to join in these discussions in a style where everybody will be able both to listen and to have their voice heard. The evening will run using Open Space technology which gives anyone the chance to propose a starting point for discussion, then take part in one of these conversations or flit between them all.

If any of these questions concern you, come along:

Do artists care about politics?
Do politicians care about the arts?
What do performing artists and politicians have in common?
As a politician, would you like the opportunity to listen and be listened to? To meet the community who cares about these issues?
As an artist, what would make a difference and win your vote?
As an audience member, what would win your vote? What are your concerns?
What will it be like to be involved in the performing arts after this election?
How can the cultural Olympiad actually leave the culture enriched?
What matters to you most about the future of the performing arts in this country?

It would in particular be terrific if policymakers and prospective ministers were to attend and to participate in a genuinely grassroots exchange of perspectives in an environment not dominated by the usual ‘us and them’ structure of staged panel debates.

We would, in short, love YOU to come and discuss and engage with these vital issues!

Hope to see you there,

Phelim McDermott and Improbable
Jonathan Holmes and Jericho House


DETAILS:

If you cannot attend but would like to be kept in touch email office at improbable.co.uk

The evening runs using Open Space technology which gives anyone the chance to propose a starting point for discussion, then take part in one of these conversations, flit between them all, or head to the bar.

This event is free! No need to book, just turn up on the night, but an RSVP is nice.
Artsadmin at Toynbee Studios: 28 Commercial Street | London | E1 6AB.
Map at: http://www.artsadmin.co.uk/contacts/ For further information or to discuss access requirements get in touch with Lucy at lucy at improbable.co.uk or at the office on 0207 240 4556. Hope to see you there.