| Regional Initiatives |
Regional InitiativesIn addition to its congresses, ISPA undertakes a number of diverse programs, both ongoing and ad hoc, that facilitate a presence for the organization and its membership globally. These programs are done in partnership with local organizations and complement work that is currently occurring in the region. They typically, but not exclusively, take the form of curated conversations and/or networking opportunities. Through these regional initiatives, we are able to engage local members and non-members alike to facilitate participation on a smaller scale than undertaking a full congress. The number and location of these initiatives may vary from year to year but through this ongoing activity we ensure a broader accessibility and enhanced opportunities for engagement. Recent programs include the ISPA Series at the Fringe, held in Edinburgh during the August festivals and the ISPA Series at the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival in Cairo. Thank you to our Partner
Upcoming EventsPast EventsAugust 20th, 2025, 10:30 – 13:30 BST ISPA Series at the Fringe (2025)ISPA Series at the Fringe is a joint-program between the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. ISPA Series at the Fringe hosts events for festival participants designed to bring together emerging and established arts leaders in a dialogue about shared issues in our global community.
Industry Forum: Sustaining International Collaboration in the ArtsIn an era marked by economic volatility, shifting geopolitical landscapes, and ever-increasing isolationism, the ability to work internationally has become increasingly complex for organizations, independent producers, and artists. Recognizing the urgency of these challenges, the International Society for the Performing Arts, in collaboration with the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, is bringing together global organizations including APAP, CAPACOA, CINARS, PAC Australia, and PANNZ for an insightful and interactive conversation on how we can work together to ensure continued cross-border collaboration. Event Details Provocation: Ahmed El Attar, Artistic and General Director, Arab Arts Focus (Egypt) Moderator: Tony Lankester, CEO, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society (Scotland) Speakers: Tzu-Yin Hsu, International Booking Agent, Aurora Nova (Germany) Colleen Jennings-Roggensack, Vice President for Cultural Affairs for Arizona State University and Executive Director of ASU Gammage (United States) Victor Rodger, Playwright, Producer, Actor, Journalist (Aotearoa New Zealand)
August 14th, 2024 ISPA Series at the Fringe (2024)ISPA Series at the Fringe is a joint-program between the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. ISPA Series at the Fringe hosts events for festival participants designed to bring together emerging and established arts leaders in a dialogue about shared issues in our global community.
Bridging the Generational DivideAt ISPA’s January 2024 congress we facilitated an open, honest conversation between older and younger arts professionals about the challenges and benefits of working across generations, from Boomers to Gen Z. This often contentious but also rich discussion topic prompted a thought-provoking dialogue. Together, we will come together to continue this conversation through a long table discussion format. Followed by a networking snack/drink. Event Details Facilitator: Alicia Adams, ISPA Board Chair, Vice President, International Programming & Dance John F. Kennedy Center (United States) Respondents: Assis Carreiro, Director, International Arts and Cultural Projects Ltd. (United Kingdom)
August 16th, 2023 ISPA Series at the Fringe (2023)ISPA Series at the Fringe is a joint-program between the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. ISPA Series at the Fringe hosts events for festival participants designed to bring together emerging and established arts leaders in a dialogue about shared issues in our global community.
Committing to Systemic ChangeAt ISPA’s January congress we discussed the many inequalities that remain in the performing arts, along with the urgent need for systemic change. Together, we will continue this discussion and explore how are we honoring commitments to change and ensuring equity and cultural safety. Followed by a networking snack/drink. Event Details Moderator: Gabrielle Martin (PuSh Festival, Canada) October 28th - 30th, 2022 ISPA Series at the Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival, Cairo (2022)Touring Arab Performing Arts: Navigating Global Contexts & Challenges 
This was ISPA's first-ever collaboration with Downtown Contemporary Arts Festival (D-CAF). As ISPA’s first series held in the Arab World and Africa, the program brought together emerging and established arts leaders for dialogue about shared issues in our global community. Running alongside the Arab Arts Focus from October 28th to 30th, the series included panel discussions and workshops that explored the theme of Art and Borders. In addition, we considered the practicalities of touring work from the Arab World and Africa abroad, and conversely, of presenting or touring artists from the wider world within the Arab World and Africa.
Session 1 | Artist Mobility: Touring Arab Artists Abroad August 24th, 2022 ISPA Series at the Fringe (2022)Watch the Recording Where are We Now?Reflecting on two years of a global pandemic, how has the dust settled and what lessons and new opportunities have we experienced as a community? Anthony Sargent presents his newly updated research and together we will reflect on the trends moving forward. Followed by a networking snack/drink. Event Details
Presenter: Anthony Sargent (International Artistic Advisor, UK) 
Wednesday, August 18, 2021 ISPA Series at the Fringe (2021)ISPA Series at the Fringe is a joint-program between the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. ISPA Series at the Fringe hosts events for festival participants designed to bring together emerging and established arts leaders in a dialogue about shared issues in our global community. 
Public HealingWatch the Recording At ISPA's January congress, Marc Bamuthi Joseph (poet, dad, educator, and Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at the Kennedy Center), in conversation with Phloeun Prim (Cambodian Living Arts), posited that what was needed now was not public health but rather public healing. Public healing is actively understanding that we've all been through a psychological trauma, and to think intentionally as to how we invite people back into public spaces including performance venues. Six months later, Marc will revisit that conversation reflecting on the world events that have occurred since and the unique place the arts holds in the public imagination to heal. Following his talk, we will have the opportunity to go into small breakout rooms before convening as a whole for a broader discussion.
Provocateur: Marc Bamuthi Joseph (poet, dad,
educator, and Vice President and Artistic Director of Social Impact at the Kennedy Center) Wednesday, August 26, 2020 ISPA Series at the Fringe (2020)ISPA Series at the Fringe is a joint-program between the International Society for the Performing Arts (ISPA) and the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society. ISPA Series at the Fringe hosts events for festival participants designed to bring together emerging and established arts leaders in a dialogue about shared issues in our global community.  CourageIn January 2020, Yaron Lifschitz (Artistic Director, Circa Contemporary Circus) delivered a provocation that both empowered and challenged ISPA congress delegates. Amidst the crisis of climate change evidenced by the Australian bushfires, Yaron posited that “Art can help us face our future and make our future.” Seven months later, Yaron will revisit that provocation reflecting on the world events that have occurred since. Following his talk, we will have the opportunity to go into small breakout rooms before convening as a whole for a broader discussion.  Provocateur: Yaron Lifschitz (Artistic Director, Circa) Facilitator: Santee Smith (Managing Artistic Director, Kaha:wi Dance Theatre) This event is part of Fringe Exchange 2020, a new online industry events program hosted by the Fringe Society and streaming throughout the Fringe’s originally scheduled dates, August 7-31, 2020. Browse the full program and register for events here. Tuesday, August 20, 2019 ISPA Series at the Fringe (2019) Event Details Host: Gaurav Kripalani (Singapore International Festival of Arts (SIFA), Singapore)  Shifting Identities“Be a provocative warrior, not an honorable citizen,” reflects Egyptian surgeon turned satirist Bassem Youssef. Following a recorded provocation from January’s ISPA Congress, a panel convened to reflect on the meaning of identity and free speech and what this can mean for one’s practice, community, and the performing arts globally. Over 80 Edinburgh Festival Fringe participants attended the event. We reflected, interjected, and then shaped the conversation together.  Wednesday, August 14, 2019 Fringe Late-Night International ReceptionA celebration of the internationalism of the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, hosted by the Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Frank Ross, The Right Honourable Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, and the International Society for the Performing Arts. Lothian Chambers, West Parliament Square ISPA Series at the Fringe (2018)Wednesday, August 8, 2018, 11:00 am Pre-war (pre-1946), Baby Boomers (1946-1964), Gen X (1965-1980), and Millennials (1981-2000): How is the nature of leadership changing through these transitions? Do governance and management structures need to transform in response? Join a cross-generational, cross-cultural dialogue to open up the issues behind these questions. Host: Jackie Wylie (National Theatre of Scotland, United Kingdom) Wednesday, August 15, 2018, 11:00 am Costs are rising, while subsidies are shrinking and consumer behaviours are changing rapidly. How do we keep our industry’s ecosystem viable with the competing demands for resources? And ultimately, who is responsible for paying the artist? Should producers and presenters keep an eye on the economics and leave the artist to endure market forces? Or should the artists take control and create the cultural economy themselves? In a mixed economy, who gets paid and who doesn’t – those who are worthy or those who shout the loudest? Host: Jackie Wylie (National Theatre of Scotland, United Kingdom) Wednesday, August 22, 2018, 11:00 am Latin America is a vast region representing many cultures. As the region’s cultural riches grow in global impact, there are many opportunities for exchange. In this discussion, we’ll learn of key access points and opportunities to begin a dialogue which develops your network. Host: Max Wagner (Gasteig Muenchen GmbH, Germany) 
 Wednesday, February 21, 2018 Cocktails and ConversationsA networking cocktail reception at Australia’s Performing Arts Market (APAM) Brisbane Powerhouse, River Studio ISPA Series at the Fringe (2017)Wednesday, August 9, 2017 Some festivals develop organically while others are created for a very specific reason or purpose. This highly interactive session explores the unique dynamics at play in developing international festivals, and the unique opportunities they provide to audiences, artists and presenters. Led by Lieven Bertels, this discussion delved into festival strategy, planning and execution, within the unique cultural landscape that is the Edinburgh Festival Fringe. Wednesday, August 16, 2017 Today artists have more control over how they create and distribute their work, audiences drive when and how they participate, and curators are less hierarchical in their approaches to programming. This long table discussion identified new ways that presenters, audiences and artists are engaging with each other to shift power structures, to ensure access and relevance amidst the myriad cultures and art forms integral to contemporary society. Facilitated by Michelle Witt, Executive and Artistic Director of Meany Center for the Performing Arts. Tuesday, August 22, 2017 In a world of increasing cultural conflict, how are artist-led organisations developing new models that support enduring international connections, understanding, and great art? Vanishing Point’s Matt Lenton and Severine Wyper, and Ahmed El Attar of Downtown Contemporary Art Festival Cairo, Studio Emad Eddin and Summerhall Middle East Season, kicked off this session exploring approaches to international creative partnerships, networks, residencies, co-production, and audience development. Facilitated by Faith Liddell. Questions?Contact Mara Driscollmdriscoll[at]ispa[dot]org1 212 206 8490 x201 |
