Small size Network was founded as an Artistic International Association in 2007 with the aim to widen the performing arts for early years (0-6 years). The Association promotes training, documentation, artistic events and partnership programs.
Today it is a network of 72 members in 31 countries on five continents.
Every year, at the end of January we have a common celebration, the small size days. It is an annual event that takes place simultaneously in many different cities, thus creating a huge, shared and unique World event.
This year, between 25th and 27th of January, there were 128 activities in 21 countries around the world: shows, workshops, storytelling, concerts, films, exhibitions, all addressed to the smallest ones. The events were shared through facebook; we could follow each others program, boost and congratulate. We had a really good time together in the social media (who would have imagined this positive boost?) some moments on photos:
Why do we need a small size network? Are special small size days relevant in the field of performing arts for children?
We, the practitioners in this specific field, have the experience that support the appreciation that grows with the age of the audience. Companies who produce work for the smallest ones get smaller subsidies, shorter rehearsal times, less visibility in the media and smaller income.
During the small size days, the network encourages the members to make political actions.
Last year in Vitoria, Spain, the children invaded the city hall, in Granada children wrote letters to decision makers and the reception of the letters was filmed and published. This year the Finnish smallsizers decided to launch a challenge to political parties, funding institution and media. The following questions arose:
- How can the decision makers ensure equality in arts and culture for different age groups?
- The state, municipalities and foundations, are their grants dealt equally or do the ones who work with children’s arts and culture, receive less?
- Does the media list small children’s art events in their cultural activity lists and does it promote performances for small children?
Who defends the right for arts and culture from birth onwards if not us, the smallsizers?
Katariina Metsälampi, President of the small size network, Arts manager, Assitej person.
