The very first ‘Next Generation’ Programme of the ASSITEJ Small Countries Network took place in Liechtenstein between 25 and 28 October 2023. The event also marked the first in-person meeting of the Network since it was founded in 2021. Organized by ASSITEJ Liechtenstein, the programme was attended by delegates from Luxembourg, Cyprus, Iceland, Liechtenstein and San Marino.
The ‘Next Generation’ Programme, entitled LAB SAHASA, was facilitated by Luxembourgish choreographer Jill Crovisier, with two young dancers representing each one of the participating countries. The Programme consisted of a series of workshops, which led to a final presentation on the final evening. The ‘Next Generation’ Programme participants, as well as the delegates, also had the opportunity to watch the production SAHASA, choreographed by Crovisier.
The Small Countries Network meeting was attended by representatives from ASSITEJ Luxembourg, ASSITEJ Cyprus, ASSITEJ Iceland, ASSITEJ Liechtenstein and Bradipoteatar San Marino. The delegates had a series of discussions regarding the future of the Network, their respective National Centres, as well as the challenges and opportunities that arise in relation to the performing arts for young audiences in the small states of Europe. A series of visits to cultural organizations was also included in the 4-day programme.
The delegates also had the opportunity to have a meeting with the Minister of Culture of Liechtenstein, Mr. Manuel Frick, during which they presented ASSITEJ and the Small Countries Network, as well as their respective National Centres. The discussion was centred around the right of the child to participate in cultural life, the work of ASSITEJ, as well as cultural policy in the small states of Europe, especially in regard to the performing arts for young audiences.
The ASSITEJ Small Countries Network was founded in 2021, aiming at bringing together ASSITEJ National Centres and corresponding members from countries with a population of less than 1,000,000 inhabitants, which face the same challenges and opportunities. The Network was modelled after the concept of the Games of the Small States of Europe, organized by the International Olympic Committee, as well as a similar Network in the International Committee of the Red Cross. Members of the ASSITEJ family around the world will have the opportunity to learn more about the Network and its activities during the hybrid SMALL TALK event, at the ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering in Serbia.
The next Small Countries Network meeting and ‘Next Generation’ Programme will be hosted by ASSITEJ Cyprus, in 2024.
