Gathering in Kilkenny

Carol Betera, Maeve Ingoldsby and Mike Kenny

Gathering 2011 proved a major success and a landmark for TYA Ireland in its endeavours to promote the sector in Ireland and in particular to create a climate of critical feedback and support for developing practice and practitioners. Delegates and members found the focus on critical feedback and discourse to be hugely valuable, and paved the way for more open, inclusive and positive examination of artists’ work.

John Borstel’s practical workshop on the Critical Response Process proved a winner; and there are plans to have him back to run further training for our members and the wider field.

It is imperative to build on this for next year with a focus on a particular theme that will inform all aspects of the event while focusing the sector on specifics within its development.

Delegates Mari Rhian Owen & Ionia Ní Chróinín

Originally the plan was to reimburse or pay a fee to presenting companies which would in turn pay artists and crew and allow for per diems, accommodation and travel. As TYA Ireland did not secure adequate funding support the companies volunteered their productions and covered the costs to their staff.
Barnstorm Theatre Company, Heritage Council Headquarters and Watergate Theatre all contributed to the event with sponsorship-in-kind. The success of the Gathering was only possible with this level of support.

The Gathering now enters its fifth year and TYA Ireland must continue to provide an opportunity to its members, others in the field and supporters to share and interrogate practice in Ireland.

A taste and/or reminder of Gathering 2011 can be seen through pod-casts of the Panel Discussions and a Vimeo of John Borstel’s key-note address on the website www.tya-ireland.org

Thank you to all who contributed to Gathering 2011 and well done Barnstorm and the TYAI Committee.

Gathering 2012 will again happen in October – exact dates and location to be confirmed.