In May 2017, XTRAX, Without Walls, and ISAN joined forces to run two events aimed at UK outdoor arts companies looking to take their work on the road. The event was repeated in Manchester and in London.
Artists learnt from a panel of specialists about how to balance the books, price work correctly, and keep costs down, with a view to touring a show which is cost-effective to have on the road, and financially viable for promoters to book. Those ready to take work beyond the UK were able to get information about the international market and an insight into the context of festivals in Europe.
Session 1: Pricing outdoor work for cost-effective touring
Emerging companies discovered top tips on how to keep costs down and correctly price outdoor work from a panel of sector professionals. Our guests gave an overview of the do’s and don’ts of pricing outdoor arts, what to include in a touring budget, how best to manage on-costs, and how to make sure they don’t lose money on touring – ensuring they are able to pay themselves and the people they work with correctly. The panellists also gave advice on how to increase the value of their work through audiences outreach and public engagement schemes and how to make their show sustainable for long-term touring.
Session 2: Touring in Europe and the context of key international festivals
Established companies learnt from some of the most experienced companies about the best ways of preparing their work for international markets that goes beyond language translation. They were joined by international promoters who told us what they look for, how UK companies can make their shows work in international contexts, signpost some of the most useful networking events and meeting places across Europe, and, vitally, how artists can get themselves and their work noticed.
Speakers:
LONDON (Chair – Angus MacKechnie)
PRICING
– Bill Palmer (Avanti Display)
– Silvia Fratelli (Mimbre)
– Michelle Walker (GDIF)
INTERNATIONAL TOURING
– Bettina Linstrum (Arts Agenda)
– Bill Palmer (Avanti Display)
– Silvia Fratelli (Mimbre)
MANCHESTER (Chair – Maggie Clarke)
PRICING
– Bill Palmer (Avanti Display)
– Pete Gunson (PifPaf Theatre)
– Rowan Hoban (Wild Rumpus)
INTERNATIONAL TOURING
– Bill Palmer (Avanti Display)
– Bettina Linstrum (Arts Agenda)
– Camille Beaumier (NoFit State Circus)
These seminars are delivered by XTRAX as part of their Platform 4:UK programme, which is designed to support the international promotion and export of UK street arts, by Without Walls, a consortium of leading arts organisations and festivals, collaborating to break new ground in the creation of extraordinary outdoor work in the UK and by ISAN, the national membership and strategic organisation that aims to bring together the many diverse parts of the Outdoor Arts sector. The seminars are supported by Arts Council England.
