OutdoorArtsUK’s National Conference ‘Equity in Action: The Power of Diverse Narratives’ is coming to Stoke-On-Trent on 6th February 2025. The day will begin with a series of short presentations by local representatives. They will set the context of Stoke as a place and the equitable support they are offering their marginalised communities. The delegates will hear directly from these communities, who will tell us what difference the city’s cultural organisations are making to their lives.
These presentations will be followed by a series of breakout sessions, and it’s here where the bulk of learning and relationship building activities will happen. Each session will have two speakers and a chair, who will give insight and perspective. They will invite delegates to engage in a conversation, giving you the opportunity for some shared learning, as well as guiding you to come up with promises and pledges that are personal and bespoke to each delegate.
Each breakout session will happen twice, so delegates can choose to participate in two breakout groups.
Breakout Sessions
1. Bringing communities back together after unrest
Outdoor Arts was hugely affected by this summer’s Islamophobic and racially motivated riots. Is there a role Outdoor Arts can play in giving voice to marginalised communities and help heal divisions in our society?
2. Diverse narratives unlocking new income streams
At a time when our main touring circuits and sources of income are under pressure, can inclusivity and relevance lead to resilience? Tuning into diverse narratives can make your work resonate with non-arts bodies, which can open new income streams and performance opportunities.
3. Let’s Talk About Care
Understanding the needs of diverse individuals are the first steps of addressing equity. We listen to artists with lived experience of disability and racism to understand the complex dynamics of presenting work in outdoor spaces.
4. Festivals and artists working together for disability access
What are the current thoughts on Disability Access and Outdoor Arts? Appetite Stoke and FrontlineDance speak about their collaboration in programming disabled-led work and providing disability access for audiences.
5. Open forum
This is a free and open space for colleagues to raise other specific issues about diversity and inclusion that is not covered by the breakout groups. We ask delegates who chose this option to suggest topics for discussion.
Our speakers and chairs for the breakout groups are being announced on our social media throughout December and January. Do keep a look out!
How to Book
If you haven’t bought your ticket yet:
You can book your breakout sessions on the checkout page when purchasing your ticket.
If you’ve already bought your ticket:
If you’ve already got your conference ticket, please use the form below to book your breakout sessions.
About the National Conference
The title of this year’s National Conference is Equity in Action: The Power of Diverse Narratives and we’ll be focusing on inclusion and relevance.
But what is Equity?
Read our Director’s blog about his thoughts behind the conference here.
Join OAUK
Join OAUK to become part of the Outdoor Arts community – with Festival Focus bursaries and discounts, regular news updates, access to friendly support and resources, opportunities to develop skills and invitations to contribute to sector advocacy.
Image Credit: OAUK Conference 2023, captured by Conor MacMahon
