We Are Now

This week I continued to work on assignments and projects. 8Squared is rolling on. We meet for production meetings regularly. The thesis, called a S.I.P (Sustained Independent Project), is in the works. But the highlight this week was the We Are Now Festival.

This weekend we came full circle on the project with the Roundhouse that dates back to our first term pitches. As you may recall, our class was divided into groups and each group was set with the task of coming up with a pitch for a festival that would be presented this month at the Roundhouse. The winning pitch was a festival called We Are Now and a couple of the students involved with the original concept successfully presented the festival this past weekend. The rest of us were called upon to help as front of house ambassadors to help direct patrons around the different events.

The concept behind the We Are Now is a festival with a theme of sound and technology at its core. Friday kicked off the festival with panel discussions, performances, interactive installations and activities. Saturday the experiences continued and Sunday concluded the event. The festival was well attended and the artists praised. Central's president gave a lovely speech at the opening reception on the importance of collaboration.

Collaboration and co-producing are certainly crucial parts of our work as producers. With the rising costs of just about everything and purse stings from funders ever tightening, co-producing with other companies is quickly becoming the standard. We Are Now partnered Central with the Roundhouse to usher this project through to completion. Under the umbrella of Central and the Roundhouse were several guest artists and companies that provided the assorted components of the festival. The hope is, the festival will continue in the years to come, vary in theme and become a permanent fixture as part of the Roundhouse's programing. Fingers crossed the festival will have its future ensured soon.

This week we move on to our final class. Thursday will be the last time the whole cohort will assemble for a lecture. It is hard to believe we have already arrived at this point. The remaining days of the term will be dedicated to essay writing and other assignments. And of course for some of us, the execution of 8Squared. So, there is still much to do before we can take a break.

I'll let you know how it all goes. In the meantime, have a look around your region and see what arts festivals are happening.

Take care!
-m