By Jon Dafydd-Kidd
In a book by writer Mark Manson, it is argued that hope is a dangerous distraction because it removes individual and collective accountability. He isn’t alone – a number of writers have considered the role of hope in change. Manson explores the idea that hope is a construct of longing, an avoidance of responsibility for our actions and the current reality.
And it got me wondering about ASSITEJ…
In late May, ASSITEJ International’s six Professional Networks met in Czechia to partner with members of the Executive Committee in exploring how to strengthen the capacity and operations of the Networks.
The Networks as represented at the meeting were:
- International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN): Lars Werner (supported by Ginni Manning & Jon Dafydd-Kidd)
- International Theatre for Young Audience Research Network (ITYARN): Claire Mason & Paulo Merisio
- Next Generation Network (NG): Diana Krzanic Tepavac & Nina Hajiyianni
- Small Size: Anna Sacchetti & Barbara Kölling
- Write Local, Play Global (WLPG): Ginni Manning
- Young Dance Network (YDN): Jolyane Langlois & Sanya Fruewald (supported by Bebê De Soares)
One of the intended outcomes of the meeting was to produce a Professional Networks Toolkit (in a similar style to the National Centres Toolkit). At the Marseille Artistic Gathering (2025), expertly guided by Vigdís Jakobsdóttir, the Networks explored:
- what they are
- how each experiences their place in the structure of ASSITEJ, and
- what they need to be able to gain stability and grow.
In Czechia, I was entrusted to continue the work of facilitating the space, with the support of Bebê de Soares. But as with all great meetings of minds, the key to success lay with the participating people around the table.
Together, we started to explore what made us the same, and more importantly, how they made us a Professional Network – a specific and clear entity in the wider landscape of ASSITEJ. This is when we started to move beyond the exploration of the individual Network’s needs, into a realm of a hive mind. We explored not the missing pieces or short-term tools as solutions, but the underlying challenges and barriers creating some of the obstacles to growth and development.
This was a pivotal exploration that drove us into the purpose of the Networks. And, ultimately, shaped the drafting of a document that all Professional Networks have contributed to, and agreed to adhere to:
- The Foundations (the must-haves)
- The Principles (the always working towards)
- The Ethics (the heart of creating accountability and belonging)
We also committed to the creation of a Professional Networks Working Group (or Network of Networks). Chaired by the EC, this will be a space for the Professional Networks to:
- Hold each other accountable to the Foundations, Principles and Ethics
- and request support from the EC and other networks when help is needed in maintaining them
- Update each other on activity, successes and challenges
- Explore collaborative projects and events
One piece of the puzzle all Networks are keen to develop is their relationships with the National Centres and Regional Networks. And although the group have begun to generate ideas on how we might better bridge the work of various parts of the wider organisation, we know this is thinking that cannot be done in isolation.
At the end of the 3-day meeting, Joylene reflected that what she was grateful for was “hope”.
Hope. A single word, with so much contained.
And it got me thinking. Hope isn’t dangerous. But perhaps how we imagine it and engage with it need to shift. What if, just like motivation, hope isn’t the beginning or stimulus?
What if hope is the product of action?
What if hope is the promise of not feeling alone, but experiencing belonging?
What if hope is collective energy, binding us together and propelling us forward?
I left the meeting feeling grateful that our time together could result in so much. And believe that for the Professional Networks, the future looks active. Hopeful.
A warm thank you must be shared to Veronika, Jakob, Zuzana, Bara & all from ASSITEJ Czechia, Perform Czech and the Czech Institute for Culture for their time and energy in supporting this important piece of work to happen.
