By Sustained Theatre
Visiting Arts have announced that plans are underway for a producers’ visit to South Africa in early 2009. The aim of the programme – the second so far launched by Visiting Arts – is to “promote intercultural understanding and international connections”. It is essentially, of course, an opportunity to enter into long-term dialogue and network, plus a fantastic chance to experience contemporary arts overseas.
The scheme is open to producers, promoters and festival directors from across the UK. Visiting Arts are particularly interested to hear from those who see their work as using culture as part of innovation in urban development. ¨¨
Visiting Arts hope the visit will inspire collaborations between cultures and increase the range and depth of intercultural understanding. While the potential for the creative two-way flow of work is exciting and important, we wonder if the visit could encourage debates through the arts; can an international perspective from our cultural players develop and broaden the work produced in the UK?
A busy itinerary is planned around the [http://africacentre.net/projects/infecting-the-city/ Infecting the City Festival] in Cape Town and Dance Umbrella in Johannesburg. There will also be the possibility of including visits to Africa Centre, Cape Craft and Design institute, Johannesburg City council and Cape Town Partnership between late February and early March.
For guidelines and a form for expression of interest, visit: www.visitingarts.org.uk. Return completed forms to adam.knights@visitingarts.org.uk by 12 noon, Friday 5 December 2008.¨ ¨For more information contact Adam J Knights, Arts Projects Co-ordinator:¨ adam.knights@visitingarts.org.uk