Signs of an unstable future for the arts are multiplying. In one-way or another, we are all concerned with getting through the current financial and political challenges. At the same time, it is becoming clear that our world is shifting radically. Instead of focusing on survival strategies, what if we turned our focus to the essential question: how to make this transition process a positive one? How can we rethink and reshape society? What future do we dream of for ourselves, our communities and the arts, and how do we make it real?  We propose a series of three working sessions based on urgent topics the Greek performing arts field is currently confronted with. Each session is meant to produce a concrete result: recommendations for both the IETM delegates and the (Greek) decision makers, to be presented through the course of the meeting.

A Greek colleague will introduce the question. We will discuss it with examples of relevant practice, and dissect and debate it before formulating steps for our positive future together. Each session will close with a list of recommendations.

New models of self-organisation. When existing structures collapse, become corrupt, or fail to serve their purpose, we realise the need to organise ourselves in order to effect much needed change: to speak with one voice and be heard, or to create, present and produce a civil movement, a performance, a touring scheme, or an IETM meeting. In this session we will talk about changing structures and circumstances, self-organisation, sharing of resources, ideas and information, and co-funding and co-supporting as an alternative to branding and competition.