BUZZ Network’s Steering Group and Network Development meetings
Throughout the project, the five BUZZ Network partners – Youth Theatre Arts Scotland, Youth Theatre Ireland, Rogaland Teater (Norway), Theater Bremen (Germany) & BRONKS (Belgium) – worked closely to plan, execute, and review all activities and objectives. We held many meetings throughout the years online as well as during the in-person Labs and events.
The Steering Group Meetings focused on managing the project and coordinating activities. In these meetings, partners planned and organised tasks such as administration, staffing, travel for the Artist and Leader Labs, project finances, reporting requirements, and communication efforts for mapping, recruitment, and sharing resources.
The Network Development Meetings focused on the long-term goals and broad European reach of the network. In these meetings, partners worked together to create international frameworks that guided mapping research, recruited Artists and Leaders for the Labs, determined the focus and content of the Labs, and developed the BUZZ website as a resource for European Youth Theatre venues, practices, and resources.
The story of the BUZZ Network’s Steering Group and Network Development meetings 2019 to 2024
The BUZZ Network’s Steering Group and Network Development meetings from 2019 to 2024 reveal a dynamic journey of collaboration, adaptation, and growth within the European youth theatre sector. Over these years, the meetings consistently focused on building a robust network, navigating challenges, especially those posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, and laying the groundwork for the future of youth theatre across Europe. Here’s a comprehensive story of these meetings and the key developments over time.
2019-2020: Laying the Foundation and Responding to Challenges
The initial phase of the BUZZ Network, from 2019 to 2020, was marked by the ambitious goal of creating a European network of youth theatres. Early meetings focused on establishing a shared language and a collaborative structure to unite partners across different countries. The project aimed to elevate the visibility and standards of youth theatre through shared learning and multinational collaboration.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 brought unforeseen challenges. The network had to quickly pivot to online activities, delaying planned in-person events like the Artist and Leaders Labs. Despite these disruptions, the partners remained committed to the network’s goals, extending the project timeline and adjusting budgets to maintain momentum. Initial work on the mapping project and web portal revealed how it would be key tools to connect and support the youth theatre community during difficult times.
2021: Adapting to the New Normal and Planning for the Future
Throughout 2021, the Steering Group meetings focused on adapting to the ongoing pandemic. The partners explored online event options and planned for the planned training and CPD (Continuous Professional Development) programmes for the sector. Although enthusiasm remained high, participation levels in the Labs varied across regions due to differing pandemic restrictions.
Key discussions revolved around the planning of the online BUZZ Launch event and the Leaders Lab, with a strong emphasis on inclusivity and engagement. As the year progressed, the meetings also tackled the logistical challenges of organising online and hybrid events, reflecting the network’s adaptability and resilience.
By the end of 2021, the partners were considering a potential extension of the project, recognising the need for more time to achieve their goals and ensure the network’s sustainability.
2022: Resuming In-Person Activities and Strengthening the Network
The year 2022 marked a significant shift as the network began to resume in-person activities. The BUZZ Lab at BRONKS in April 2022 was a milestone event, reigniting the collaborative spirit among partners. Subsequent labs in Germany, Norway, and Scotland further solidified the network’s foundations, with each event offering valuable insights and refining the format for future activities.
Alongside these in-person events, the Steering Group continued to focus on the development of the mapping project and the web portal. These tools were seen as crucial for capturing the diversity of youth theatre practices across Europe and providing an ongoing central resource for the sector. The web portal’s phased development, including a soft launch in 2022, laid the groundwork for wider dissemination and ongoing updates.
2023: Finalising Projects and Preparing for the Future
In 2023, the BUZZ Network’s meetings centred on finalising the remaining labs and preparing for the network’s next phase. The Stavanger Lab and subsequent labs focused on evaluating past experiences and refining plans for the final event in Ireland. Discussions also included the development of a questionnaire for the mapping project and the strategic use of the web portal.
As the network approached its final stages, there was a clear focus on ensuring that the project’s legacy would endure. The partners discussed future applications for Creative Europe funding, envisioning a dynamic and agile network that could continue to evolve and adapt to the needs of the youth theatre community.
2024: Consolidating Achievements and Looking Ahead
The meetings in late 2023 and early 2024 were crucial in consolidating the network’s achievements and planning for the future. With the November 2023 event in Ireland serving as a pivotal moment, the partners focused on refining the network’s structure, expanding partnerships, and exploring new opportunities.
Discussions included the roles of potential new partners going forward, the importance of clear communication, and the documentation of key sessions for future reference. The network’s mapping activities and financial reporting were also top priorities, with the partners setting timelines to ensure these tasks were completed efficiently.
Conclusion
The story of the BUZZ Network’s Steering Group and Network Development meetings over the five years is one of perseverance, collaboration, and innovation. From the initial ambition of creating a European youth theatre network to navigating the challenges of a global pandemic, the partners have consistently adapted and grown. They have developed new tools, resumed in-person activities, and laid the groundwork for a sustainable future.
As the network looks ahead to its next phase, it is well-positioned to continue fostering connections and elevating the youth theatre sector across Europe, with a clear vision for its ongoing evolution and impact.