Articulate, the NRTF Conference 2024!
In collaboration with Culturapedia, we took over Blackpool and nearby Poulton-le-Fylde for three days of Linguistic Illuminations. Together, we traversed the landscapes of language and artistic expression and had big conversations about the challenges and opportunities we face as a sector.
The event featured a jam-packed 3-day programme of showcasing, ballyhoos, workshops, talks, and networking.
10 Showcases
In 2024 we had 10 amazing showcases from:
- Alethia Antonia: Inscribed In Me
- Yasmeen Audisho Ghrawi: Daughter of a Dictator
- Meraki Duo
- Rum Ragged
- Ghetto Fabulous
- The Library at the Edge of the World
- Santiago Gulzman: Altar
- The Bookshop Band
- The Greatest Robot Ever
- Ten In The Bed
“The conference inspired. I work hard always, but the conference gave me a chance to re-evaluate what I do and my approach.” 2024 Conference attendee
4 Ballyhoos
Originally (at a Carnival, etc): a showperson’s touting speech, a performance advertising a show. Hence bombastic extravagant publicity; a noisy fuss.
2024 Ballyhoo artists were:
- Miscreations Theatre: Underground
- Gav Cross: After Supper Ghost Stories
- Miss Baines
- Wright & Grainger: Helios
Talks & Panels
3 Tantalising Talks
- Mat Lazenby: Telling Your Story (Brand Strategy)
- The Old Fire Station: Storytelling for Data
Collection - Atlantic Presenters Present: Global Perspectives
3 Pensive Panels
- Environmental Impacts of Rural Touring
- Big Imaginations: Presenting Big Theatre for Little People
- Reflection Session with Showcasing Artists
2 Cracking Keynote Lectures
- Kim Macari: We Tell Ourselves Stories in order to Live
- Darren Pritchard: Ghetto Fabulous & Black Pride
1 Charismatic Compere
“Networking was good, especially the choreographed small groups” 2024 Attendee
“The organisation was great. Everything where it should be and timing good.” 2024 Attendee
Workshops & Round Tables
Interactive Sessions
- Access Riders 101
- Whos in the Room
- Networking
3 Round Tables
- Craftivism with Phoebe Foxtrot
- Eyes Wide Open – 15 Years On
- What Next? Rural
2 Gallery Tours
Ain’t No Party Like a Rural Touring Party
2 Follow Up Sessions
- 2-day training course with The Old Fire
Station (Storytelling) - Environmental Workshop with Smoking
Apples
& 1 Conference Mascot (a.k.a. Snoopy)