These images show the work of Scottish physical performers: professional, emergent artists, keen amateurs, community participants and students
ABOUT
The Scottish physical performance sector (a term that covers street theatre / outdoor performance, circus and physical theatre) is going through a period of rapid change and growth. In response, Articulation was formed. It takes a lead on strategic development of the sector, facilitates partnerships and acts as a voice through its advocacy work. It also plays a role in supporting high quality – in the work itself, in health and safety and in teaching standards.
Articulation was created in 2009 to be Scotland’s umbrella organisation for physical performance. The organisation supports the development of the sector through advocacy, strategic planning, facilitating partnerships and close involvement with infrastructural initiatives like the Briggait. It also plays a role in supporting high quality – in health and safety, in teaching standards and in the work itself.
Articulation has produced several documents that provide both an overview of activity and a framework for future development.
The Scottish physical performance sector (a term that covers street theatre / outdoor performance, circus and physical theatre) is going through a period of rapid change and growth. In response, Articulation was formed. It takes a lead on strategic development of the sector, facilitates partnerships and acts as a voice through its advocacy work. It also plays a role in supporting high quality – in the work itself, in health and safety and in teaching standards.
Articulation was created in 2009 to be Scotland’s umbrella organisation for physical performance. The organisation supports the development of the sector through advocacy, strategic planning, facilitating partnerships and close involvement with infrastructural initiatives like the Briggait. It also plays a role in supporting high quality – in health and safety, in teaching standards and in the work itself.
Articulation has produced several documents that provide both an overview of activity and a framework for future development.
FUTURE DEVELOPMENT
It must be acknowledged that the current developments are building on the tireless work of individuals too numerous to mention by name. Scotland is reaching the point at which physical performance fully has the potential to develop into a dynamic, high quality and sustainable sector. There are still many areas that need attention. The single biggest priority is to attract and retain talent in Scotland without which it will be difficult to make real progress.
Talented individuals need to be actively working here, developing new skills, creating and presenting quality home-grown performances and offering quality teaching via accessible public classes, workshops and community events. They also encourage and inspire the next generation to pursue a career in physical performance. Investment, whether time, money or expertise, will enable more professionals to sustainably base themselves here to the benefit of all.
It must be acknowledged that the current developments are building on the tireless work of individuals too numerous to mention by name. Scotland is reaching the point at which physical performance fully has the potential to develop into a dynamic, high quality and sustainable sector. There are still many areas that need attention. The single biggest priority is to attract and retain talent in Scotland without which it will be difficult to make real progress.
Talented individuals need to be actively working here, developing new skills, creating and presenting quality home-grown performances and offering quality teaching via accessible public classes, workshops and community events. They also encourage and inspire the next generation to pursue a career in physical performance. Investment, whether time, money or expertise, will enable more professionals to sustainably base themselves here to the benefit of all.
KEY INITIATIVES
Articulation has produced an overview document of the key initiatives and projects and their interrelationships. The examples below demonstrate the diversity of these and, to an extent, growing recognition of the value of physical performance by policy makers, Scottish Government and funders.
Conflux - Legacy Trust UK/Creative Scotland funded project launched in March 2009 with the specific remit to develop and support a thriving professional circus, street theatre and physical theatre community. It has a specific role in identifying and supporting emerging artists. Conflux runs the Surge Festival, a great platform for physical performance work which takes place in Glasgow alongside the Merchant City Festival in July every year.
The Briggait – The intention is to establish a national centre for dance and circus at the Briggait with the vision to be “a crucible for experimentation; a hub; a home; delivering inspirational opportunities for training, making and sharing work in the cross-over worlds of dance, circus, live art, street performance and visual arts, providing opportunities for professional, aspirant and recreational practitioners of all ages & abilities to develop their practice... the Briggait will be a facility unique in the UK, nurturing creative interaction amongst diverse art forms and disciplines.” Since 2010 the Briggait has housed over 60 visual artists’ studios and the offices for several physical performance and dance organisations. It is already a creative hub.
Cubed – There are plans for a year round physical performance creation centre and venue in Edinburgh. Providing a dual role, as both a specialist receiving house for high quality national and internationally touring companies, and an advanced creation centre focused on the development of talent in Scotland, it would be a place that would enable much longer creation and rehearsal periods.
Articulation has produced an overview document of the key initiatives and projects and their interrelationships. The examples below demonstrate the diversity of these and, to an extent, growing recognition of the value of physical performance by policy makers, Scottish Government and funders.
Conflux - Legacy Trust UK/Creative Scotland funded project launched in March 2009 with the specific remit to develop and support a thriving professional circus, street theatre and physical theatre community. It has a specific role in identifying and supporting emerging artists. Conflux runs the Surge Festival, a great platform for physical performance work which takes place in Glasgow alongside the Merchant City Festival in July every year.
The Briggait – The intention is to establish a national centre for dance and circus at the Briggait with the vision to be “a crucible for experimentation; a hub; a home; delivering inspirational opportunities for training, making and sharing work in the cross-over worlds of dance, circus, live art, street performance and visual arts, providing opportunities for professional, aspirant and recreational practitioners of all ages & abilities to develop their practice... the Briggait will be a facility unique in the UK, nurturing creative interaction amongst diverse art forms and disciplines.” Since 2010 the Briggait has housed over 60 visual artists’ studios and the offices for several physical performance and dance organisations. It is already a creative hub.
Cubed – There are plans for a year round physical performance creation centre and venue in Edinburgh. Providing a dual role, as both a specialist receiving house for high quality national and internationally touring companies, and an advanced creation centre focused on the development of talent in Scotland, it would be a place that would enable much longer creation and rehearsal periods.
PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE IN SCOTLAND
Overview of the Sector
Published May 2012
CIRCUS IN SCOTLAND
Blueprint for Development 2012-2017
Full Document
Published March 2012
CIRCUS IN SCOTLAND
Blueprint for Development 2012-2017
Summary Document
Published March 2012
All content © 2012 Articulation Arts LTD. Site design VICKERS CREATIVE