Past, Present & Possible Futures

We’re delighted to invite you to a brand new sector-wide symposium on 2 November 2023.

Change is no longer inevitable, it has already happened. Over the past three years the performing arts have experienced change, challenges and upheaval that we once thought impossible. Past, Present & Possible Futures is a day of celebrating the past, connecting in the present and visioning for the future of dance, theatre and opera in a changed world. We’ll take an honest look at where the sector is now, what needs to leave well and what’s waiting to arrive safely.

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What will the Symposium be like?

Expect a day alive with artistic interventions, inspirational speakers and ‘getting to know each other again’ time. All we ask is that you bring a memory, share a hope and leave with a vision. More info about this later!

Celebrating the Past

Keynote presentations and reflections on the rich history of Scotland’s performing arts sector, on its many achievements, as well as the highs and lows that have shaped where we are today.

Provocations for the sector from the changing world around us, and discussion of how the performing arts can, in turn, shape the world.

Where We Are Now

An experienced panel of practitioners discussing Scotland's performing arts sector now, exploring the challenges we’re facing, and the opportunities that lie ahead.

Breakout sessions to work together and explore what this means for the future.

What's Waiting to Arrive Well?

Short, inspiring talks and breakout sessions focused on new models and ways of thinking that are transforming the performing arts and the changing landscape we’re working in. This includes:

• Learning about the latest trends and technologies that could shape the future of the sector.
• Networking with professional colleagues who are also passionate about the performing arts.
• A reflective presentation drawn from the themes and discussions that have taken place during the day.
• Time to relax and be entertained at an informal reception.

(Refreshments and a vegetarian lunch are provided throughout the Symposium.)

Access

We want to make this event as accessible as possible.

Keynote presentations will be BSL interpreted.

The Symposium aims to be a ‘relaxed’ event and environment. This means delegates can do whatever is needed for the space to be a comfortable, safe and welcoming one and to meet access requirements. For instance, you are welcome to move, stim, leave and return to the space etc. A quiet space will be available within the venue that you can use at any time.

Verdant Work’s accessibility guide is available on their website and includes information for physical access, wheelchair users, parking and other services, resources and facilities.

Please note that FST follows a vegetarian catering policy. If you have any additional dietary requirements, please indicate at registration.

If there is anything else we can do to respond to your access requirements, please get in touch with us by emailing FSTadmin@scottishtheatre.org

Travel Information

The venue address is:

Verdant Works
West Henderson’s Wynd
Dundee DD1 5BT

For travel information to Dundee and the venue, please visit Verdant Works' website

You can view the accessible route from the station to Verdant Works here.

The venue is 20 minutes away from the train station on foot, so we will be providing a shuttle bus service from Dundee train station at the start and end of the event. Please indicate whether you will require the shuttle bus at registration.

Travel and Childcare Bursaries

If you are an FST member attending the event and travelling 50+ miles per way from your company/home location in Scotland, you are eligible for a travel bursary of up to £50.

We can also offer financial support of up to £50 to FST individual members to assist with childcare/carer costs to help them to attend this event.

There are limited funds available and will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Please email FSTadmin@scottishtheatre.org to request a bursary form or for any other queries. 

Accommodation

FST has secured a 10% discount on rooms booked at the Apex Hotel on the evenings of Wednesday 1 and Thursday 2 November. These can be booked online with a special booking code: OPENROAD

For more accommodation options across varying price brackets, please visit Booking.com

Ticketing Information

To make the event as financially accessible as possible, we are operating a tiered Pay What You Decide (PWYD) system beginning at £10.

People employed by organisations can register for up to three people to attend from their organisation.

Self employed/freelance individuals can register for one ticket.

We are able to offer the Pay What You Decide model thanks to support from Creative Scotland and the Scottish Government through the Recovery Fund for Cultural Organisations.

There are a limited number of tickets per price bracket so do book early to get the best deal!

If your chosen ticket category is sold out and you are experiencing financial barriers to attendance, or if you require an additional attendance space to assist with your access needs, please contact us at FSTadmin@scottishtheatre.org to discuss options which would allow you to attend.

In the event of cancellation prior to 20 October, a refund of 75% will be made. FST regrets that no refund will be made available after this date, however a substitute delegate may attend.

Contact Information

If you require any further information, or need help with your event registration, please contact FSTadmin@scottishtheatre.org.