Inclusive Practice In Action 2024: A Seat At The Table

Focusing on Youth Voice, Sound Connections’ Inclusive Practice in Action (IPIA) gathering for 2024 will once again take place at Amnesty International in London, on Thursday 14 March 2024.

As leaders in Youth Voice and Participation, both regionally and nationally, Sound Connections works to amplify young people’s voices through advocacy and campaigning across the United Kingdom and beyond. Our annual IPIA gatherings exist to explore and define inclusive practice and advocate for a more equitable world, and this year we are excited to be dedicating IPIA to a matter that lies at the heart of everything we do – Youth Voice.

“The title ‘A Seat At The Table’ was chosen to symbolise inclusivity, empowerment, and the recognition of the importance of diverse perspectives, particularly in the context of Youth Voice. It means to respect that young people are the experts of their own experiences and represents the intentional creation of a space where young people feel not only heard but also valued as contributors to discussions and decision-making processes.” Shakira and Yasmine, Wired Associates.

• Join us for a day that will platform the voices and experiences of young people in music, demonstrating how and why implementing youth voice into organisational practice benefits everyone.
• Engage in open discussions surrounding inclusivity and intersectionality, through the lens of Youth Voice.
• Learn directly from young people and deepen your understanding of what is important to young people today.
• Connect with like-minded people of all ages and levels of experience, all aligned in a commitment to working with a youth-led approach.
• Challenge hierarchical dynamics by putting young people centre stage, with them as the experts.
• Reflect on your own practice and how you might create space for new approaches and ideas inspired by people who are different from you.
• Be empowered with the practical tools and knowledge to take your next steps – whether you are a young person emerging into the creative industries, or a professional looking to develop your own / your organisations’ youth voice work – no matter what stage of your journey you are currently at, you are welcome!

What to expect

A welcoming gathering curated and led by young people in partnership with Sound Connections, including personal perspectives surrounding inclusivity and equity, , practical workshops, drop-in surgeries, panel discussions, networking, delicious food, and even some live performances from our Wired4Music community!

The programme is being put together by Sound Connections’ Wired4Music Associates, Karmokar, Shakira and Yasmine in partnership with the Sound Connections team. Meet the Wired4Music Associates here.

More details including speakers and workshop leaders will be announced in the new year.

Who is it for?

We are envisaging this event to be an open conversation between young people, practitioners, organisations and participants. We believe everyone can learn from one another. We therefore encourage people of all ages and levels of experience to attend and be part of the discussion.

Examples of people who might like to attend are:

• Young people aged 16+
• Students and trainees
• Young emerging artists
• Early career, mid-career and senior professionals working in the creative sector
• Classroom, peripatetic and private teachers of creative subjects, across primary, secondary and higher education
• Early years practitioners
• Community musicians, workshop leaders and creative practitioners
• Music Education Hub leaders and managers
• Grassroots music and creative organisation leaders, managers, administrators and producers
• Youth sector staff and anyone who works with young people
• Academics, funders and policy makers
• National music education organisation leaders and staff

We particularly welcome individuals who considers themselves a minority, or who have been made to feel ‘other’, whatever stage of your career you are at. We will endeavour to support you throughout the event with awareness of your psychological safety. We also welcome organisations and individuals from across the sector who wish to explore inclusive practice and take action to change for the better.

HOW TO ATTEND

Prices:

Students, young people aged 16-25, and unwaged – £5

Individual practitioners / freelancers – £50

Organisation band 1 (under 100k turnover) – £100

Organisation band 2 (100k+ turnover) – £150

*Free companion tickets are available to those with access needs. If you require the assistance of an essential companion, please book your own ticket online and then contact emily@sound-connections.org.uk to request your free additional companion ticket.

Group discounts:

We actively encourage teams from organisations to attend our training courses, to facilitate ongoing discussion and change in your workplace. We will be offering a 10% discount if you book more than one ticket for your organisation. Please contact emily@sound-connections.org.uk for information.

*We are keen that financial barriers do not prevent practitioners from attending Sound Connections events. We have a number of bursaries available for individuals, freelancers, students or those who are currently not in employment. If you would like to take advantage of this for this event, please email emily@sound-connections.org.uk briefly outlining your employment status, and we will send you a discount code.

If you would prefer to pay via invoice, please contact Emily (emily@sound-connections.org.uk).

If due to unavoidable circumstances you are no longer able to attend an event you have previously booked, please contact us as soon as possible to let us know. We can refund the full ticket price up to 48 hours prior to the event. Cancellations made after that will be refunded at 50% in order to cover catering / admin costs. We are also able to offer an exchange for an alternative event.