CS Lab #5 leads the way in promoting inclusive and diverse leadership practices in Outdoor Arts

“Create spaces where people can realise the power they already have.” Victoria Amedume, CSLAB#5

This month kicked off to a motivational start for International Outdoor Arts professionals as they came together for CSLAB#5; an e-learning and information sharing experience we co-hosted alongside Circostrada, the European Network for Circus and Street Arts. 

This was the first large scale online event organised by both Circostrada and XTRAX after being rapidly reformatted to respond to disruptions caused by COVID-19.  This new format LAB allowed us to open up the Keynote sessions up to a wider audience and saw over 150 creatives from 25 countries tune in to hear inspirational speeches, from Hilary Carty (MBA CCMI, Director of the Clore Leadership Programme), Vicki Amedume (Artistic Director and founder of Upswing) and Michael Hoar (Independent consultant) tackling themes that included leadership, diversity and advocacy.  

The speakers presented Keynotes full of thought-provoking ideas, looking at themes of leadership, diversity and advocacy. The empowering sessions tackled difficult topics relevant to the times and provided delegates with insight and expertise, encouraging us to look at our own ways of working and embedding best practice and ideals in our own organisations. They discussed concepts such as the importance of leading with purpose, making allies and strong collaborations across the sector and beyond, the infrastructures needed to give space to more diverse artists and leaders, and how to communicate and advocate for the sector and for your organisation simply and effectively. These sessions were followed up with a practical workshop, attended by Circostrada members and invited guests.

“Not one but two inspiring Black women: thank you to both of them for encouraging more of us to be comfortable with uncertainty, and to XTRAX/Circostrada as well for so visibly putting diversity and inclusion at the forefront of our thinking about leadership.” Audience member, CS LAB #5

We’d like to give thanks to our community of friends from all over the world for coming together to share ideas and build new connections with promoters and artists during such difficult times. Our team and partners are overwhelmed by the positive response and we are delighted to have been able to go ahead with this event alongside Circostrada demonstrating our continuing commitment to supporting the UK and International Outdoor Art sector creatively despite the circumstances.

The live Keynote sessions were recorded,  you can watch them at the bottom of this page or via our YouTube Channel where you can enable subtitles. Full transcripts of the sessions are available here.

This event will be followed up by LABStories, a publication which will delve into some of the areas explored during the online event, so keep an eye out for it by following XTRAX and Circostrada on social media.

Co-organised by XTRAX, Circostrada, and ARTCENA

With the support of:

 

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Our Videos

CS LAB#5 • Keynote #1 Leadership in times of crisis
CS LAB#5 • Keynote #2 Developing diverse and inclusive leadership practices
CS LAB#5 • Keynote #3 Advocacy for change
CS LAB#5 • Wrap up