Building Artists Networks
The New Work Network began as a Forced Entertainments initiative at the time when ACE Drama Department were circulating a green paper for consultation with practitioners.
Forced Entertainments wanted to consult with people in the world of experimental theatre on the future. They organized a meeting at the ICA. From this meeting, 12 people were invited to form a steering committee; the committee represented a mix of producers, practitioners, academics and others. The network set up a structure that acknowledged the diversity of the different artform strands it represented.
ACE commissioned a survey 'Surveying the Landscape' . The author consulted the practitioners, promoters and producers.
NWN held a conference at which major differences between practitioners and promoters were identified. It was felt that promoters have existing support structures. The greatest problem which NWN faced was resolving the tensions created by peoples differing relationships with the funding bodies. NWAB had instigated the establishment of a support network for NWN. Practitioner members of NWN felt that an affiliation to the funding bodies would prove difficult for the future of the organisation.
NWN still exists but has never moved beyond a discussion group. If Circus wishes to establish a working party it should identify the aim of providing a practical support structure from the start.
Dylan Calder