The project has three different dimensions and will be carried out over a three year period.

1. ‘Travelogue’ Data exchange & research

SPACE plans a research programme to address the difficulties in mapping the mobility of performing arts productions in Europe. 

Some countries do not map the international activities of their performing arts companies, while others do this in variable ways, often with the immediate aim of measuring the exportation of their productions (and not the cooperation level between countries) quantitatively (not qualitatively). 

The programme seeks therefore to create a simple and efficient tool, created by professionals, to map the current state of affairs in the international dissemination of performing arts productions and identify imbalances, and to generate ideas for developing innovative models and instruments with a view to creating a more balanced situation.

A travelogue online prototype, will be produced by European professionals who will participate in training sessions on standards and methods for linking, sharing and comparing data between countries and sectors.

2. Training and Development Pilot Programs

Approximately 100 high potential emerging professionals from different European countries will take part in a mobility training programme carried out throughout Europe.

The training programme consists of three different strands: one dedicated to the performing arts managers (the call was launched in the second week of April 2009) that started last October 2009 (go to the calendar); one for programmers (call launched 25th November 2009) and one for journalists and critics working on the performing arts (call also expected in March 2010).

The programme will be organised in small groups, and be developed and managed with the cooperation of other networks and organisations such as la Belle Ouvrage (training organisation) and Team (performing arts magazines network).

The aim is to create a network eager to design and practice new forms of cultural mobility, acquire in-depth knowledge of each country’s context, to gain useful European experience, compare and assess working tools, and develop a better understanding of Europe and its cultural diversity, both on a concrete and political level.

3. Institutional Capacity Building

An important part of the project is to enlarge the project by including other already existing institutions, and to support and stimulate new institutions, especially in Central and Eastern Europe, to play a role in creating opportunities for their national artists and art professionals to work at a European level. 

The long-term objective is to create a network of strong national performing arts institutions which are able to contribute - through policy and practice - to a European programme of cultural mobility and circulation.