Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardja (PSBK)

Padepokan Seni Bagong Kussudiardja (PSBK) is an Arts Centre in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, that aims to contribute to the cultural enrichment of Indonesian society by shaping arts practice as an important learning resource for both artists and communities. PSBK extends Bagong Kussudiardja’s commitment for artistic innovation, creative learning, and access to the arts. PSBK presents works of emerging artists, facilitates artistic investigation and professional development, and devises programs that increase community engagement and networking with the arts.  

This project is of particular interest for us as it takes both the Artistic and Creative Learning strands in community engagement and collaboration to the next level – that can amplify impact, enhance skills and understanding, and push creative strategies to new directions. With the support from the British Council’s Connections Through Culture Programme, we are especially pleased that this collaboration enables PSBK to facilitate quality exchange of UK-ID Artists to prepare the implementation of The School of Hope lessons with communities; invite 20-24 young hearing and hearing impaired Indonesians from diverse backgrounds to participate in the workshop; and offer the translated The School of Hope digital toolkit as an online resource accessible to other Indonesian communities.

Vancouver International Children’s Festival

We would like to respectfully acknowledge that we work and play on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish peoples of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and sə̓lílwətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) First Nations.

The first of its kind in North America, the Vancouver International Children’s Festival began as a theatre festival for young audiences presenting international performances. Today the Festival is multi-disciplinary presenting theatre, music, dance, circus, puppetry, storytelling and interactive arts activities, and over the years has been an inspiration to major cities throughout Canada and abroad, where annual children’s festivals now take place. The inclusive programming is culturally diverse and representative of regional, national and international artists.
Vancouver’s International Children’s Festival aims to inspire and motivate young minds with professional artistic experiences that transform a young person’s understanding of the world around them and what is creatively possible.

Victoria Deluxe

Victoria Deluxe is a Community arts centre based in Ghent (Belgium). Together with the people they work with, they seek the best artistic form ranging from theatre to film to express alternative voices. They try to react in the most inspiring and resolute way possible on how the world is evolving, by creating hopeful narratives and debunking stereotypes.

A diverse group of young people who have been associated with Victoria Deluxe for a while, are building their own space within the workplace of Victoria Deluxe. This project is called ‘De Toekomstacademie’ (translated as: ‘The Future Academy’) and focuses on bringing together young people to engage in deep and meaningful conversations and organising activities that are both fun and meaningful, or in some way educational.

The School of Hope brings an international dimension to the work they are already doing and means a very interesting chance to connect with other young creative people across the world. They are excited to explore the possibilities of strong international networks to articulate ideas for a hopeful future.

Boom Arts

Boom Arts, based in Portland, Oregon, is a boutique presenter and producer of contemporary theatre and performance from around the world. Our mission is to imagine new social and political possibilities through live performance.

Founded in 2012 by Ruth Wikler, Boom Arts has reached nearly 10,000 Portlanders with innovative presentations of vital and timely plays and multidisciplinary performances from countries like Japan, Egypt, Chile, Russia, Uganda, and the US. We’ve produced performances in theatres, galleries, public parks, living rooms, and other sites around the city. We’ve deepened the impact of our work through partnerships with local and regional arts and community organizations, colleges, and universities. Through performances and accompanying workshops, lectures, post-show discussions, community gatherings, and other events, Boom Arts is building cross-cultural bridges, sparking community conversations about important issues, connecting Portland performing artists with their national and international counterparts, and contributing to our city’s culture of compassion, curiosity, and creativity.