Gathering 2024

Gathering 2024

The Lab Studio in Washington, D.C., May 2024

“Truly, these Gatherings are the only of their kind”
it was an opportunity to come together, rather than talking about coming together
the Gathering moved outside of the box of more traditional (and sometimes shallow) conference situations to allow for deeper connections

“It truly felt like a “Gathering” and not a conference. 

Description
Designed to bring together an intimate community of artists and changemakers working locally, nationally and globally, this event brought together members of the Creative Core and Global Lab Fellows from the first 3 cohorts with policy-makers, scholars, and artistic leaders from the DC Theater and Georgetown University communities.

The group came together to reinforce relationships, replenish artistic energies, and draw inspiration and strength from each other, expanding and experimenting with models for interconnection and community building between ideas, individuals, and organizations. Unlike in past Gatherings, there were no presentations or productions but instead a focus on essential interstitial exchanges, vibrant discussions, pop-up presentations, forums, and workshops with programming built around the participants.

30 traveled to attend, 9 of whom internationally with active roots in: Bulgaria, Egypt, Iraq, Japan, Kenya, Mexico, The Philippines, Russia, South Africa, Trinidad, UK, Vietnam, & elsewhere.

Identifying as: Directors, playwrights, performers, producers, organizers, educators, researchers, scholars, & more. 

46 Participants, 14 Global Fellows from first 3 corhorts

Activities included:

Day 1 – Welcome

Opening Circle and Welcome

Hopeful Encounters

Day 2 – COMING TOGETHER

In Your Shoes – Full-Group Participatory Workshop Part 1

Movements & Migrations – breakouts and discussion

A Celebration of Collaboration @The House of Sweden

Day 3 – DREAMING & BUILDING

Ecosystems for New Work and Collaborative Global Exchange

In Your Shoes – Full-Group Participatory Workshop Part 2

Communities & Coalitions – breakouts and discussion

Closing: Sharebacks &  Imagining Forward

From participants

“The Lab serves as a hub working at the intersection of artists and policy. I see it as a protective space to bring artists and practitioners together outside and alongside the more rigid boundaries of institutional/non-profit theater. Cultivating connections and fostering exchange across like-minded artists and spaces that might not otherwise interact in their own spheres.”
Sara Zatz, Ping Chong & Co
I can't overstate how important the work of the Lab is: 1) establishing global connections; 2) creating a context for how performance humanizes politics in the world of the whole world; 3) to meet people who aren't in the sphere of one's usual practice/career/country/community; 4) in the kindness and beautiful, deep listening and generous facilitation practiced by the staff- that never feels rote or prescribed and always feels true and authentic and searching.”
Todd London
I don't know anyone who has as much of an international reach as the Lab and is able to bring artists together in person. It is a rare opportunity. Even though I do a lot of work with people in other countries, I rarely get to meet them. And yet, we learn so much from each other, even in a short amount of time. In my work on climate, it is crucial we understand what is going on in other countries and how our actions affect others.”
Chantal Bilodeau
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“The Lab melds connective skills and communication, with artists whose work often happens in isolation, or in extremes in their own sphere of effort and creating; in effect, The Lab has our back, so to speak, in making sure that artists and change agents have a place of resource, as its nourishment/community, specific to sharing new knowledge as replenishment and scaffolding for others.” - Tom Minter, playwright
Tom Minter, playwright
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“There's nothing else like The Lab as a gathering place for international artists, students, and producers.  There's no specific pathway for international engagement in the American theatre, so the Lab feels quite essential.  I hope that other theatre departments and professional companies are taking notice.”
Howard Shalwitz