“The decision is in our hands

About how we reposition ourselves in these shifting sands”

From Rob Gee’s ‘Poem in a Day #2’ – EMPAF National Symposium 2009

EMPAF have joined forces with colleagues in the West Midlands to co-ordinate its second National Symposium for Participatory and Community Arts’ Leaders, Directors, Project and Development Workers

Taking place on Monday 29^th November at The Crossing at St Pauls, Walsall, the event aims to provide a positive space to think collectively as to how to continue to support and develop good participatory creative practice in the current climate.

The following Agenda has been put together as we appreciate that people like to know the proposed structure of the day. However, we do intend for this to remain as flexible as possible to respond to the ideas/needs of the people who attend.

9.30am Coffee

10.00am Brief Introductions followed by Open Space Debate

12.00pm Lunch

12.45pm Break out for facilitated group discussions:

• Management Approaches: the feminine and the masculine. Exploring ideas about what is unique, challenging and exciting about management approaches in community and participatory arts and how to maximise upon and share these skills.
• Networking and the West Midlands. Is there a desire for West Midlands Participatory Arts Forum and how could it develop?
• Key Issue/s from Morning Session – In depth discussion on issue identified during the open space debate (potentially more than one group)

1.45pm Comfort Break

2.00pm Break out for facilitated group discussions:

• Nurturing our Future Leaders. Who are they, where are they, are they stepping up and how can we encourage and support them?
• We already “think outside the box”! Approaches to joint working across the arts and other sectors: how to identify, nurture and promote.
• Key Issue/s from Morning Session – In depth discussion on issue identified during the open space debate (potentially more than one group)

3.00pm Round Up and Call to Action

3.30pm Close

The event is free and will include lunch and refreshments. Please email jane@empaf.com or call me on 07984 199 477 if you would like more details and to book a place.

“Because if we share our knowledge we can predict the future,

And you can see the way forward when your ear’s to the ground.”

From Rob Gee’s ‘Poem in a Day #2’ – EMPAF National Symposium 2009

Co-ordinated by EMPAF (East Midlands Participatory Arts Forum) and hosted by our colleagues in the West Midlands, this event is made possible with financial support from Arts Council England.

www.empaf.com