This new IETM group stems from the sessions held in Brussels, Cairo, Porto and Llandudno (Wales). Members, based in cities and in the countryside, presented their contemporary art projects related to the huge transitions taking place in the countryside in Europe and beyond.  We heard how the rural culture can be a starting point for new dance forms and how artists work with local stories and elaborate them to an international level. We talked about the difficulties of fundraising for the arts in rural areas and addressed the need to connect rural and urban audiences.  

The  group will:

• Give a space to participants to share their most urgent matters and reflect on what they can contribute to develop an advocacy network to for artists working with rural communities.
• Allow for an exchange and deeper research on working methods in the rural areas and the position and responsibility of artists working with rural communities.  
• Discuss the growing interest of populist politicians in rural culture, folklore and cultural heritage, and what this means for our practise. We will also address the gap between rural development programmes and the needs of artists working in rural areas and try to put together  a strong case for our work.

Please check the accessibility of the venue here.