As part of an effort to promote the highly regarded children’s theatre and dance sector internationally, Imaginate and Creative Scotland are supporting a delegation of Scottish artists, producers and companies making work for young audiences to the prestigious International Performing Arts for Youth showcase event in Philadelphia, IPAY 2019, from 15-19 Jan 2019.
IPAY is one of the most important international showcases for theatre and dance for young audiences and securing a country spotlight speaks volume about the reputation the sector has established abroad. The event, Spotlight on Scotland will help promote Scottish theatre and dance for young audiences to an international market, particularly that of North America and help develop new relationships and touring opportunities.
Marking the first time that Scotland has presented a co-ordinated presence at the festival, the delegation includes nineteen artists, producers and companies presenting leading work in Scotland today, including Barrowland Ballet, Catherine Wheels, Curious Seed, Independent Arts Projects, Imaginate, Lyra, Licketysplit, Red Bridge Arts, Scottish Theatre Producers, Starcatchers, Visible Fictions and 21 Common. The showcase programme of the festival includes a performance from Andy Cannon and Red Bridge Arts who will present Is This a Dagger? The Story of Macbeth.
Cabinet Secretary for Culture, Tourism and External Affairs Fiona Hyslop, said:
“Knowing that IPAY have chosen Imaginate and Scottish performing companies to feature at this year’s showcase event in Philadelphia is a testament to the calibre of the world-class acts we have on offer for young people – and an inspiration to the next generation of Scottish theatre and dance.
“This year’s IPAY spotlight on Scotland is an incredible opportunity to showcase and further promote Scottish talent to international audiences, helping explore new artistic partnerships and opportunities.
“As Imaginate gets ready to celebrate its 30th anniversary, I am pleased to be hosting its launch later this month to ensure this prestigious children’s festival continues to provide a platform for our young people to experience high-quality arts. I’m pleased we were able to contribute £126,000 Scottish Government Expo funding towards this year’s edition of the festival.”
Paul Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive of Imaginate, said:
“Scotland is proud of its international reputation for producing artistically exciting and emotionally engaging theatre and dance for young audiences. IPAY is the key event to attend in order to access the North American market and is also a great place to exchange ideas and meet people working in all areas of the young audiences sector. As Imaginate celebrates 30 years of the Edinburgh International Children’s Festival we are very happy to be working with Creative Scotland to bring this valuable experience to more Scottish artists, producers and companies to help develop their international reach.”
Colin Bradie, Interim Head of Creative Learning, Creative Scotland said:
“Creative Scotland is delighted to support a delegation of Scotland’s theatre and dance makers for young audiences to attend the prestigious IPAY event. The Spotlight on Scotland at IPAY 2019 enables us to showcase the undoubted excellence of our performing arts for young audiences, building on the strength of the international reputation, which this sector already has. A major benefit will also be, of course, making invaluable contacts and generating future touring and performing opportunities for artists and companies from Scotland who work in this sector.”