What
will the conference be like?
The programme is a careful
mix of main speakers ('keynotes') and a menu of 12 group sessions
('seminars'). This means that you can build your own programme
to suit your particular interests and professional development
needs. The programme, combined with the varied social events,
makes it easy to meet people and network. You can share ideas,
aspirations, problems and solutions with other people working
in the arts. You can also keep abreast of innovative products
at the conference exhibition.
What
is it about?
The
AMA conference has a reputation for being provocative and
thoughtful in its content and accessible in its delivery.
Changing Worlds identifies key changes in our environment
and explores emerging opportunities. All of us working in
the arts want to understand and take advantage of the political,
economic, societal and technological changes in order to achieve
out objectives more effectively. Implicit in the title, Changing
Worlds, is the idea that arts organisations also strive
to make a difference - to change worlds.
What
will I learn?
The
conference is a platform for creative thinking, fresh ideas
and new ways of working. Each seminar is graded 'conceptual',
'strategic' or 'practical', so whether you are an experienced
chief executive or in the first year of your job, you can enjoy
a conference programme that is intellectually invigorating,
relevant to your job, and great fun. A conference report will
be available for delegates to download for free from this website
- a benefit to you and colleagues long after the conference
has ended.
Who
else goes?
There
will be about 350 people from across the UK cultural sector,
all of whom are involved in persuading the public to experience
the art - including chief executives, marketers, educators,
programmers, box office, sales, press and PR staff. The visual
arts and crafts, museums, performing and combined arts, digital
arts and cinema are all represented. Many suppliers are also
represented through the conference exhibition.
How
will I meet people?
Attending
an event with 350 people when you don't know 349 is a daunting
prospect! The conference opens with a 90-minute team-building
exercise that is a great way to get to know other delegates,
and develop your thinking about the conference theme. At last
year's conference 76% of delegates thought that the exercise
was 'excellent' as an ice-breaker.
The
conference programme - with small group seminars - also has
networking built-in, and the social evenings are a great way
to meet people. This year you can have an 'auntie' or 'uncle'
(someone who has previously attended a conference) who will
have an email correspondence with you prior to the conference,
and introduce you to some people on the first day.
Who
will be speaking?
A
significant amount of time is spent developing the thesis, which
makes for a strong programme. The speakers are then confirmed
during May and June. As speakers are confirmed, details will
be announced on this website - see Conference Speaker's.
What
will it cost?
AMA
member rates start at £199 plus VAT. If you are not already
a member you may wish to join before you book for the conference
to take advantage of the member discounts. Membership starts
at £43 for a year. Call Helen at the AMA office on
01223 578078 for details or click through to the AMA website:
www.a-m-a.co.uk
Can
I go for even less?
1. Bursary
Scheme: Black & Asian arts professionals
Black and Asian arts professionals have been under-represented
at previous AMA conferences. The AMA is committed to taking
positive action to increase this representation year on year.
With this in mind we have 20 places available at £100
each for Glasgow 2002.
Email julie@a-m-a.co.uk
to get your place.
2.
Scottish arts professionals
Scottish arts professionals can apply for financial support
to attend the conference from the Scottish Arts Council's Professional
Development fund. Contact the Scottish Arts Council Help Desk
on 0845 603 6000 for more information.
Contact
your English RAB, ACNI or ACW (as applicable) to find out if
they have similar professional development funds.
Got
another question?
If
you have any further questions about any aspect of the conference,
please feel free to give us a call on 01223 578078 or email:
info@a-m-a.co.uk
