Articulation

The Scottish physical performance sector (a term that covers street arts/circus and physical theatre) is going through a period of rapid change and growth, with a number of significant new initiatives happening concurrently in the past eighteen months. In response to this a new umbrella body, Articulation, has been constituted which takes a strategic overview of the sector, undertakes advocacy, facilitates partnerships and acts as a voice for the sector. It also plays a role in supporting high quality – in the work itself, in health and safety and in teaching standards.

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 from policy makers, Scottish Government and funders of the value of physical performance.

• The Briggait Partnership consists of three dance companies and Articulation who have come together formally to drive forward the development of a facility for dance, circus and a desperately needed space for aerial work in Glasgow. This is at the architectural and business planning stage, with funds to be secured for the build. It is scheduled to open in 2012. www.thebriggait.org.uk
• CONFLUX is a four year project supported by the Legacy Trust UK and SAC to build, develop and support a thriving street arts, circus and physical theatre community that will also deliver outreach opportunities to young people. www.conflux.co.uk
• Physical Theatre Scotland offers the only accredited physical theatre training in Scotland. Its first students graduated in July this year and a second diploma in circus skills has been validated and is planned to commence in 2010.

Additionally, Scotland is in a unique position as two years after the Olympics it will host the Commonwealth Games, which may provide further opportunities. It must be recognised that all of these developments are building on the tireless work of individuals in the sector too numerous to mention individually. There are still areas that need development, for example more performance opportunities are needed. However we are reaching a stage where Scottish physical performance is at a critical point where it can develop into a dynamic, high quality and sustainable sector.