Tea cups by sewingstars
For perhaps the first time in Australia there is an opportunity for artists to talk, network and develop ideas with social entrepreneurs and activists. But what they are doing is not a conference.
It is called The Art of the (Im)possible because that is the territory theses practitioners share; making something from nothing. Deakin University’s Arts Participation Incubator (API) has collaborated with community engagement specialists Doing Something Good to design and produce this ‘un-conference’ to be held next week – on Oct 31 and Nov 1 at the Abbotsford Convent, Melbourne.
So what is an ‘unconference’? It is a form of gathering that emphasizes networking, rapid exchange of ideas, and the active participation of the people in the room. The idea came as a result of Dave Winer’s observation that the real work and most meaningful discussion at conferences happens in the tea breaks. Most of you who have ever attended a conference would no doubt agree.
The unconference is based on the idea that the sum of the expertise of the people in the audience is greater than the sum of expertise of the people on stage.
So rather than sitting down and listening to experts as they plod through their powerpoint presentations, the unconference is explicitly generated by the participants who set the agenda, and nominate topics and speakers for the day. Doing Something Good have run a series of successful unconferences with diverse organisations seeking to work together to solve problems and learn how to do things better.
Our latest offering is the Art of the (Im)possible – for artists, activists and social entrepreneurs to explore the process of making change together. This group are often passionate, creative, innovative, entrepreneurial, resourceful, and inspiring, and they also share a need to secure resources, build their skills, and develop opportunities to realise their projects. We are curious to know: What happens when artists, social activists and entrepreneurs collide?
To answer this question we have designed an unconference where participants will suggest their own sessions: these might be discussions about their organisation, service or campaign; a facilitated conversation about resourcing, or developing new methodologies; asking a question about design thinking; a place to “pick someone’s brain”; a session to develop a resource; perhaps even a meditation session. The possibilities are (almost) endless.
A range of exciting speakers will give ‘lightning talks’ to ignite ideas. Speakers include: Jan Owen, CEO of Foundation for Young Australians and Australian Financial Review and Westpac Group ‘Woman of Influence’ 2012; Jodi Newcombe, Director, Carbon Arts; Simon Taylor, Writer and comedian, Tonight Show USA; Kumari Middleton, CEO, Mayibuye – empowering young people in Australia, South Africa and Cambodia through the performing arts; Bonnie Shaw, Social Innovator, Founder of The Awesome Foundation DC, co-creator of the 24 Hour City Project, Fellow of the Royal Society for the encouragement of Arts, Manufactures and Commerce; Rebecca Scott, CEO, STREAT – a social enterprise that provides homeless youth with the life-skills, work experience and training they require to start a career in the hospitality industry; Sam Haren & Dan Koerner, Creative Directors, Sandpit – participatory experiences that transport audiences into a story, fictional universe or artwork; and David Dixon, Director, One Girl – a non-profit organisations that gives women and girls access to education so that they can create and lead change in their communities.
The Art of the (Im)possible is part of the Changemakers Festival 2013.
The Art of the (Im)possible
Thursday 31 October, 6-8:30 pm (Lightning Talks)
Friday 1 November, 9 am-5 pm (Open Space Session)
Abbotsford Convent
. www.artsparticipationincubator.tumblr.com
WIN a FREE ticket to attend The Art of the (Im)Possible!
Simply email your name, position and organisation to Magda Pakulski, m.pakulski@deakin.edu.au to register. HURRY ONLY 5 COMP SEATS AVAILABLE – first in, first served!
