The Future Proof Festival (15 and 16 August 2020)
The COVID 19 pandemic has meant that we are no longer able to bring young people together in the same physical space but we can in a virtual one!
York Theatre Royal want to look to the future by creating an online youth arts festival that creates a space for the drama kids, the musicians, the artists, the techies, the computer buffs, the dancers, the ones who want their voice to be heard and those who simply want to be part of something.
The festival will focus on a variety of workshops, performances and discussions across all art forms about what young people want for the future of arts and culture in Yorkshire and will be entirely programmed by a team of young people from all over Yorkshire – the Future Proof Festival Team.
York Theatre Royal will offer the opportunity for the young people organising it to have a light touch or to get more deeply involved, developing essential skills and experience along the way – whilst being fully supported by Outreach Director Paula Clark.
The festival will be focused on the future – moving forward after lockdown – and would therefore have a strong emphasis on careers and training. The festival team will be made up of 15 targeted young people. The aim is that young people are from a range of backgrounds and include as many underrepresented voices as possible. They will then decide on the artistic programme together, based on their own interests and ideas.
The team will meet weekly and then bi weekly from July via Zoom to draw up a long list of dream programming, performance content and voices they would like to be included. The offer could include practical workshops, performance, discussions, debates, talks and advice opportunities for young people. Artists and industry professionals and practitioners will be approached to contribute to online sessions as the festival programme takes shape. The sessions will be fully safeguarded and supported by York Theatre Royal.
Do you work with a young person who would like to be on the team?
York Theatre Royal are looking for individuals who are interested in being part of the Future Proof Festival Team, in particular young people from underrepresented communities.
If you’re interested, please email Paula Clark to discuss further.
