Equity in Action: The Power of Diverse Narratives, OAUK National Conference 2025

Equity in Action: The Power of Diverse Narratives

Thursday 6th February 2025, 10am – 6pm, Victoria Hall, Stoke-On-Trent

Outdoor Arts has long been the best channel of arts engagement for a diverse range of people.

But, how can we continue to be the beacon of accessibility in the face of all the challenges we face? OutdoorArtsUK’s National Conference is coming to Stoke-On-Trent to hear from pioneering organisations, artists, and producers from the local area and beyond.

To engage individuals from underserved groups, we need to pay attention to care, equity, and how we do outreach. Only then can we create a truly level playing field for all. This can be hard work but getting it right can boost impact, innovation, and resources through diversification of partnerships.

The OAUK Conference will give you plenty of time and space for reflection, discussion, care for each other, and of course, networking. We hope that you will leave Stoke with renewed motivation for carrying on your brilliant work.

OutdoorArtsUK’s National Conference ‘Equity in Action: The Power of Diverse Narratives’ is coming to Stoke-On-Trent on 6th February 2025. The day will begin with a series of short presentations by local representatives. They will set the context of Stoke as a place and the equitable support they are offering their marginalised communities. The delegates will hear directly from these communities, who will tell us what difference the city’s cultural organisations are making to their lives.

These presentations will be followed by a series of breakout sessions, and it’s here where the bulk of learning and networking activities will happen. Each session will have two speakers and a chair, who will give insight and perspective. They will invite delegates to engage in a conversation, giving you the opportunity for some shared learning, as well as guiding you to come up with promises and pledges that are personal and bespoke to each delegate.

Each breakout session will happen twice, so delegates can choose to participate in two breakout groups.

Bringing communities back together after unrest

Outdoor Arts was hugely affected by this summer’s Islamophobic and racially motivated riots. Is there a role Outdoor Arts can play in giving voice to marginalised communities and help heal divisions in our society?

Diverse narratives unlocking new income streams

At a time when our main touring circuits and sources of income are under pressure, can inclusivity and relevance lead to resilience? Tuning into diverse narratives can make your work resonate with non-arts bodies, which can open new income streams and performance opportunities.

Let’s Talk About Care

Understanding the needs of diverse individuals are the first steps of addressing equity. We listen to artists with lived experience of disability and racism to understand the complex dynamics of presenting work in outdoor spaces.

Festivals and artists working together for disability access

What are the current thoughts on Disability Access and Outdoor Arts? Appetite Stoke and FrontlineDance speak about their collaboration in programming disabled-led work and providing disability access for audiences.

Open forum

This is a free and open space for colleagues to raise other specific issues about diversity and inclusion that is not covered by the breakout groups. We ask delegates who chose this option to suggest topics for discussion.

Our speakers and chairs for the breakout groups are being announced on our social media throughout December and January. Do keep a look out!

Pre-Conference Day Events

Networking Evening, Wednesday 5th February 2025, 7.30pm – 10.30pm, B-Arts, Stoke-On-Trent

Join us the night before for a networking opportunity. It’s a good chance to make new connections and catch up with sector colleagues. This event is free for OAUK members, but we welcome a contribution. There is a small charge for non-members.

Digital Brochure

We invite artists to submit information on their tour-ready work and pitches for existing shows or new ideas, which will be collated into a digital brochure. We will circulate this to all the delegates before the Conference, and it will continue to live on our website. For more information about the brochure, click here.

Access

OutdoorArtsUK is committed to providing access to our 2025 conference. You can let us know your access requirements at ticket checkout. Please give us good notice so that we can make the appropriate arrangements. For more information, click here.

For full conference information and FAQs please visit our conference webpage here. We look forward to seeing you in Stoke!