Event
The Vital Spark Symposium
The Vital Spark Symposium was unapologetic about where the Performance for Young Audiences (PYA) sector is and how far it needs to go to reshape traditional approaches and become truly relevant and inclusive.
It was a reflective, supportive and action focused space for artists, directors, programmers, venues, practitioners, and funders to come together and learn from one another.
Day one
Panel Discussion: “Where are we at?”
Explored the realities of independent or organisational situations in the PYA sector. Panellists included: Daryl Beeton (Artistic Director, Daryl and Co, Associate Vital Spark Company), Titilola Dawudu (Writer/Programmer/Producer and Associate Dramaturg at The Bush Theatre), Christopher Gorry (Artistic Director, The Spark Arts for Children and Trustee, Zest Theatre), Abid Hussain (Director, Diversity, Arts Council England) and Keisha Thompson (Artistic Director/CEO, Contact).
Vital Spark Ideas Fund sharing
Explored the innovative projects of three Vital Spark artists Tanya Akrofi, Justyna Cwojdzińska and Dave ‘Stickman’ Higgins and how organisations can support these projects.
Reflective workshop: “From Shared Truths, Comes Collective Courage”
A facilitated reflective session to explore how collective action can address challenges and opportunities in the PYA sector. Facilitated by Daryl Beeton, Titilola Dawudu and Christopher Gorry.
Artistic Allyship: “From Courage, Comes Commitment to Action”
A co-created Vital Spark collective commitment to action, leveraging shared truths and collective courage. Facilitated by Daryl Beeton, Titilola Dawudu and Christopher Gorry.
Day two
The Debate: “Comfortable Quality Vs Courageous Ambition”
A lively debate on the merits of Comfortable Quality versus Courageous Ambition and how each contributes to diversifying the PYA sector.
Let’s Talk Money: Practical Partnerships
A case study presentation on the impact of Lincoln Arts Centre becoming a Vital Spark partner. Lincoln Arts Centre’s Creative and Executive Director Ben Anderson and Tanya Akrofi (relationship programme artist 2024) shared their experience as a new Vital Spark Partner and local Lincoln artist.
Meet the Vital Spark Relationship Programme Artists 2024
An annual event to meet and engage with the Vital Spark Relationship Programme artists.
