Vancouver Fringe Festival Calls for Diversity Focus Group Participants

The following information is excerpted from a call for participants issued by ShapeShift Arts.

IMAGE: BEATROUTE MAGAZINE

The Vancouver Fringe Festival is working with ShapeShift Arts to conduct a diversity audit, in addition to capacity building and strategic planning towards organizational systemic change. They hope to create a model that not only serves the Fringe, but other arts organizations who are committed to diversity and equity. As part of this process, they seek to connect with performing artists who have never participated in the festival (as artists, volunteers, or staff). This includes folks who work in/with performance and theatre-making of all kinds, and does not only mean those who identify as “Professionals.”

There will be 3 focus groups with 8-12 participants each. Participants will discuss their artistic practice, and in particular, their relationship (or lack thereof) with the Vancouver Fringe Festival. The groups will explore what is known/perceived about the festival, what barriers there are to participation, and what artists want/need to be able to participate in future. 

These focus groups are designed for folks who are currently underrepresented in the Vancouver Fringe Festival, including LGBT2SQ+ folks; indigenous, black and people of colour; folks living with disabilities; low income artists and artists living at the intersections of these identities.

Participants will receive a $50 honorarium as well as four tickets for the 2017 Vancouver Fringe Festival.

When & Where:

When:
August 28: 5:30 - 7:30 p.m.
September 1: 10:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
September 2:  12:00 - 2:00 p.m.

Where:
The Post (750 Hamilton Street, Vancouver)

Accessibility:

ASL interpretation is booked for all three sessions, based on confirmed need. If you require ASL interpretation, please indicate in the registration form or contact ShapeShift Arts by the registration deadline.

The Post is accessible for folks using mobility devices, and has an accessible gender neutral bathroom on site (detailed access information to be provided on registration). There are three additional gender neutral bathrooms available on site.

The venue is a multi-use space, and may not be be entirely scent-free. Organizers are committed to providing a scent-reduced environment and will send out detailed information regarding scents to all registered participants

Registration:

To sign up, register here, or please call (604 649 6878) or email (contactshapeshiftarts@gmail.com) ShapeShift Arts. Registration closes on August 21.