When performance makers choose to take inspiration from specific communities or what might be dubbed ‘marginalised discourses’, does this represent cultural appropriation or a daring collaboration? At best this type of work can open discussion, encourage cultural exchange and democratise artforms, and in the process shift the status quo or present a challenge to the complacent. At worse it can perpetuate tokenism and create another contemporary form of cultural imperialism.

This session will introduce the work of artists collaborating with marginalised communities, showcase their working methods and examine questions around ethics, identity, audience and responsibility in order to open up discussion and interrogate how best to represent the complex realities of today’s world.

Moderator:
Katherine Atkinson, Project Support and Professional Development, CREATE, national development agency for collaborative arts in social and community contexts (Ireland)

Speakers:
Louise Lowe – Co-Artistic Director, Anu Productions (Ireland)
Rosaleen McDonagh - playwright and poet from the Travelling Community (Ireland)
Dylan Tighe - performer, musician and theatre maker (Ireland)
Gabriel Gbadamosi – Poet, playwright and novelist (UK/Ireland/Nigeria) 
Gary Keegan – Co-Artistic Director, Brokentalkers (Ireland)
Elli Papakonstantinou - Artistic Director, ODC Ensemble (Greece)