The phenomenon of substantial budget cuts in the cultural sector throughout Europe make the question of cultural financing and advocacy especially relevant. We would like to have a look at this phenomenon from the perspective of the local artistic community’s role in this regard and how the cohesion of the community can help face these challenges.
How can stronger advocacy lead to reinforcing the position of this field, what are the modes and strategies of such advocacy in the different countries? Are there any organizations that are active in this field and if yes, what type of organizations are they? What kind of actions do these organizations take, how do they aim for more efficient advocacy?
What is the role of the local artistic/professional community in backing and developing stronger advocacy for the scene? How can the cohesion of the community be developed, how can the community become a driving force to strengthen the position of contemporary performing arts in the given country?

Panelists:
Pieter Zeeman, moderator – Fund for Performing Arts (The Netherlands)
Iván Angelus - Association of Contemporary Dance Theaters, Budapest Dance School (Budapest, Hungary)
Loughlin Deegan - Dublin Theatre Festival (Dublin, Ireland)
Joanna Lesnierowska - Old Brewery New Dance (Poznan, Poland)
Laurie Uprichard - Dublin International Dance Festival (Dublin, Ireland)