The Nordic-Baltic ASSITEJ Network, together with ASSITEJ Denmark, invites you to take part in this seminar “Weren’t You Expecting Me? Exploring the Practices That Move Us Towards Change”.
Together we will address the question: What does the TYA field call for in new leadership practices to ensure diversity and equal access? Keynote speech by Caroline Bowditch.
You can attend the seminar online via Zoom or live at KLAP festival in Kolding!
Registration for the online participants (you will receive a link before the seminar):
WHAT TO EXPECT?
In this seminar you will meet Caroline Bowditch as she highlights the fact that the presence of visibly disabled performers in productions for young audiences is incredibly rare. In response to this, Caroline spent time in 2017–2018 with the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival, closely examining the impact this absence may have on the live performance experience of both disabled and non-disabled children. Her research particularly focused on its effects on aspirations, self-esteem, and overall perceptions of disability. Throughout her work, Caroline has engaged with industry professionals and performance makers, gathering insights into their experiences and choices while identifying areas for future growth and change.
Following the talk, the panel/the online participants will explore key questions such as: What kind of leadership is required to implement diversity strategies effectively? What are the obstacles and pitfalls in recognizing and addressing how some individuals may feel more at home in institutions that assume specific bodies as the norm — whether in the audience, on boards, on stage, or in roles as playwrights, producers, and leaders?
Join us as we navigate the complexities of fostering inclusivity and translating diversity strategies into meaningful practice!
BIO / Caroline Bowditch
Caroline Bowditch is a performance artist and choreographer with many years of experience in working to improve accessibility and inclusivity within the arts both in the UK, Sweden and across Europe. Originally from Australia she returned to Melbourne in 2018 to take up the role as CEO of Arts Access Victoria until 2024. In late 2024 she was awarded with a Sidney Myer Creative Fellowship. She has inspired hundreds of people and given them hope that they can perform on stage and showcase their talents regardless of their disability. She is renowned as a performer, producer, instructor, presenter, and whirring wasp in the UK and beyond the arts sector. She is frequently welcomed to tutor local, domestic, and worldwide creatives at all stages of their artistic growth.
www.imaginate.org.uk/artists/projects/expecting-me/
PRACTICAL INFO:
When?
3rd April 2025
Time: 14.30–16 (CET)
Location: Online in Zoom & Live in Kolding Library, Denmark, Sal 1
Registration for the online participants
After the keynote speech the program continues online with facilitated discussion.
After the keynote speech live program in Kolding until 4.30 pm (no registration needed):
Panel discussion
Lotta Nevalainen (she/her), head of International Development, Circus & Dance Info Finland (FI)
Pisko Aunola (she/her), project manager ASSITEJ Finland and Bravo! Festival (FI)
Nanna Bøndergaard Butters (she/her), projektleder og instruktør, SceneN og Teater ZeBU (DK)
Hanne Friis Trap (she/her), artistic director, Theater FreezeProductions (GL)
Jesper Frølund (he/him), director and producer, Hils Din Mor (DK)
NBAN-Moderators: Amalie Ørum (DK) at KLAP and Tanja Turpeinen (FI) online
