The Platforma Festival Conference: two unmissable days for individuals and organisations interested in the arts by and about refugees.

The conference will be lively, informal and provocative with workshops, debates, interventions and performances of all kinds. Contributors will come from all parts of the UK.

We expect those attending to include: artists and performers, people working with aritsts and performers, academics, policy makers and funders.

Ticket numbers are limited, so please book as early as you can.

Date: 2-3 December 2011, 10.30-5pm

Venue: Rich Mix, London E1

Tickets

Price (including lunch and refreshments): £40 per day (for organisations with turnover greater than £75,000)
£20 per day (individuals or organisations with turnover less than £75,000)

Please book via the Rich Mix website or call their box office on 020 7613 7498. Please note that if you book online you will need to book each day of the conference separately.

Some free places and bursary places are also available - please contact tom@platforma.org.uk

Download the detailed conference programme (pdf)

Summary of conference sessions:

Friday 2nd December:

“Creative Therapies: arts and trauma” - Seni Seneviratne and Branislava Kuburovic

“Memory, identity and cultural shock” - Dr Veronica Sekules and Domenico Sergi from the Sainsbury Centre for Visual Art in Norwich

"The Freedom Theatre of Jenin" - Ashish Ghadiali describes the work of the world-renowned theatre and cultural centre in Jenin Refugee Camp

"Finding a Voice"- A discussion about the use of first languages to help develop live performance, in association with Write To Life led by Kristine Landon-Smith (Artistic Director of Tamasha Theatre Company) and Emi Slater (teacher, workshop leader and former director of Perpetual Motion Theatre Company)

 "Interactions with mainstream cultures" - Tom Croll-Knight from the University of Sheffield and Hassan Mahamdallie from Arts Council England (and author of Defending Multiculturalism)

"From Priceless to Streets of Gold: motiroti's museum migrations" - How museums are evolving their processes and presentations of migration as a theme, and what opportunities are opening up for artists to work in new ways in this area. A conversation led by motiroti's artistic team from Streets of Gold with input from the Museum of London.

Saturday 3rd Decmeber:

 “Conflict and culture” - Cilla Baynes from Community Arts North West with Manchester-based playwright Lydia Besong, and Michaela Crimmin (Culture + Conflict)

 “Film-making projects with young people” - Led by Áine O’Brien from FOMACS in Dublin, with with Helen Trew (Producer, Theatre Workshop Scotland Ltd), Marion Vargaftig, Director and Producer (Manifesta), Hassan Al Mouasay (Young Arts Associate at Oval House) and Stella Barnes (Head of Participation, Oval Huse)

 “In our own words: creative writing by refugees and asylum seekers” - Led by Write To Life and English PEN, with performances from poets

 "Arts and participation: intentions, responsibilities and ethics”- Stella Barnes (Oval House Theatre) and Cilla Baynes (Community Arts North West) with Bex Mather (The Sage, Gateshead), Katherine Rogers (Community Arts North West)Qendressa Gashi (Young Arts Associate at Oval House) and Celestino Obama (Young Arts Associate at Oval House)

"Whose story is it? - Documentary film-making" - With First Floor Theatre (talking about their Breaking Bread prject) and independent film-makers Akli Shaka and Joao Paul Simoes

"The Freedom Theatre of Jenin" - Ashish Ghadiali describes the work of the world-renowned theatre and cultural centre in Jenin Refugee Camp

PLUS: On Saturday 3rd December at Rich Mix from 10am, a special session from FOMACS for young people "Migration, Place and Memory: Web storytelling and geolocation" (advance booking required)

ALSO: Performances from The Crossings Group (Friday) & The Beating Wing Orchestra (Saturday); keynote speakers; original drama from Goldsmith's students; an open mic for performers; craft displays; networking opportunities; and a chance to contribute to the debate about future directions for the arts by and about refugees.

Other events in the Platforma Festival include:

- Platforma Live Music Event, featuring Yiddish Twist Orchestra, 3rd December, Rich Mix
- Acoustic and Spoken Word Night: 2nd December, 7.30pm, Rich Mix Venue 1
- Counterpoint Visual and Live Art Event: 29 November – 4 DecemberClub Row, Rochelle School

Full details: http://www.platforma.org.uk/pages/platforma-festival-2011