World of leading arts professionals descend on The Playhouse!

A host of key international and local curators, artists and practitioners are lined up as speakers at two inaugural International Culture Arts Network (ICAN) conferences at The Playhouse Theatre next month.

Speakers from Rwanda, Massachusetts Cape Town, Beirut, Lebanon and London as well as several local faces, will speak at the conferences, with the aim of providing creative models and innovative approaches to socially engaged arts practice.

Among the international speakers taking part in the conferences are American playwright and director Erik Ehn, Artistic Director of Rwanda theatre company Mashirika Hope Azeda, Chicago Curator Mary Jane Jacob, Director of District 6 Museum in South Africa Bonita Bennett, and Filmmaker Ursula Biemann.

Also taking time out of a massive global tour of her work, Artistic director of Ashtar Theatre in Palestine, Iman Aoun, will be presenting her project through ‘Gaza Monologues', which tells the story of children affected by the Gaza strip conflict.

Local speakers include BBC Radio Foyle presenter Marie-Louise Muir, human rights champion Inez McCormick, Head of participation Arts - Arts Council of Ireland Orla Moloney, and Independent Cultural Broker Peter Jenkinson OBE, the Nerve Centre's John Peto and award winning Producer/Director Margo Harkin.

The first Conference will take place on October 21 and 22 and will examine Visual art & Culture, and the second will take place on October 25 and 26 and will explore the theme of Performing Arts.

ICAN is a new vibrant project designed by the Playhouse, in partnership with North 55, Co. Donegal.

"These inaugural conferences will seek to examine and share experiences of arts and cultural work in International conflict, post-conflict and socially disadvantaged community contexts" Elaine Forde, ICAN co-coordinator said.

"The conferences are aimed at people interested in the power of the arts to advance conflict resolution, reconciliation and social change and are from the arts, culture, education, health and community setting".

To attend either conference or for additional information contact Edel Hargan or Elaine Forde on T. 02871 268027 or email elaine@derryplayhouse.co.uk or download information from www.icanplayhouse.com.

     NORTH 55