Grow: International Symposium on Circus and Street Arts Set for Next Month

Europe's leading producers, promoters and artists will convene in Great Yarmouth on 17 and 18 September to explore how circus and street arts talent can be supported and nurtured to thrive in the UK and European market place.

Grow, the second international symposium on circus and street arts to be held in Great Yarmouth, as part of SeaChange Arts' annual Out There Festival, builds on the success of the first event in 2014. Hosted by SeaChange Arts and Circus Futures, in partnership with Contact Zones, XTRAX and ISACS (all key players in the sector), the symposium attracts professionals and artists to Great Yarmouth alongside over 50,000 festival visitors each year.

Joe Mackintosh, Chief Executive of SeaChange Arts said, 'Our ambition is to establish the symposium as the key sector event in the UK, but also to ensure it is uniquely international, just like the Out There Festival itself. We have much to learn from, and share with, European colleagues and SeaChange can play a key role in that through this event.' Verena Cornwall from Circus Futures added, 'Circus Futures is all about sourcing and supporting the next generation of contemporary circus performers. It's vital that they can share and learn, not only from other international artists, but that they can also hear the perspectives of others working in the sector.' With leading practitioners, network building, discussion groups and unique support opportunities, Grow offers an engaging and entertaining programme of debate and discussion, sewing the seeds of future success. As well as keynote speakers from the wider cultural sector (soon to be announced) and beyond there are sessions on international touring, giving and receiving critical feedback and talent development. A new element of the symposium is Germinate, a fast paced Pecha Kucha style session for delegates to pitch their idea for a new show to programmers, with the chance of winning a bespoke 'Up and Out' artist support package.

Hedley Swain, Area Director, South East, Arts Council England said: 'Grow is a great example of how SeaChange Arts is working to establish Great Yarmouth as the UK's capital for circus. SeaChange has already established a strong infrastructure for street and circus arts through the Out There Festival and its venues, but developing artists and artistic practice is crucial to continued success. Through practical support, continued professional development, innovative and ambitious networks and opportunities, SeaChange has shown strong commitment to developing both the art form and the artists it works with.'

The programme will begin on the afternoon of Thursday 18 September with the chance to network and enjoy some festival performances, before a full day symposium programme on Friday 19 September.

Delegate Fee: Artists: from £35.50. Professionals from £65.50 (including meals)

SeaChange Arts, an Arts Council England National Portfolio Organisation, aims to grow the festival, and their already extensive international partnerships, to develop Great Yarmouth as a leader in the UK's circus and street arts sector.

Further information on the symposium and the Out There Festival can be found at www.outtherefestival.com

The Out There Festival runs from 18-20 September with events in St Georges Park and around the town attracting 50,000 people to Great Yarmouth.

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