Network Of Ensemble Theaters

Field gatherings and conveningsnet fulfills its function as a network by organizing and convening the field through various events for networking, peer-based learning, and discussion of pressing field issues. In addition to other fully online offerings in fy24, net produced netnext nola: a fully-hybrid online and in-person event in new orleans, livestreamed via youtube and via zoom in october 2023. This community-driven strategic planning process and interrogation of the future of net and ensemble practice allowed interaction and cross-media discussion live for all members regardless of attendance method, around the future of net itself, collective art practice and the integration of artist well-being with difficult, demanding work. Leading up to this national circle-up gathering, the net staff and netnext bridge ensemble planned six public, free, online virtual circle-ups around topics like community agreements, harm reduction, solidarity economies and mutual aid and more.

Field resourcesfor the 10-year period from 2012-2022, the net travel & exchange network (net/ten) provided over $1.3 million in grant support to member artists and organizations for relationship-building through artist-to-artist exchanges of performances, training, and organizational practices. Following the final net/ten grants awarded during the programs final year (fy22), net continued to provide support throughout fy23 (and into fy24) for remaining active grantees as we wrapped up the program.in addition, a small portion of the net/ten funding pool in the programs final year was earmarked to support create + activate, a learning cohort that we piloted in fy22 as an experiment in building interconnected relationships among bipoc ensembles/artists for small-group, peer knowledge-sharing and community connectivity. Wrapping up their work in fy23, this collaborative community in ensemble practice provided a valued support space for the participating bipoc ensemble artists, where courageous conversations could deepen their understanding of equity in their own personal artistic practices, and lead to explorations around a new paradigm of collectively-created culture and practices. Nets experience supporting the collaborative structure and self-determining, autonomous practices for the create + activate cohort also served as an extremely valuable model for the fy23 creation, recruitment, and operation of the netnext bridge ensemble.additional online resources on nets website and social media channels are active sources for field information sharing (including a sharebackp library of blog posts, videos, and artist-to-artist learning from net/ten grantees). The bridge ensembles work on netnext also reinvigorated our social media and digital communications offerings in fy24, expanding the reach of these resources to a larger and broader audience.