in partnership with Contact and Redeye

Date: Tuesday 15th December 2009 Time: 6.30pm – 8.30pm (followed by optional networking session: 8.30pm – 9.30pm) Venue: Contact, Oxford Road, Manchester, M15 6JA Cost: Free to members of PANDA and Redeye / £5 non-members

Working for the love but not the money? How to get experience without getting exploited.

Performing Arts Network and Development Agency (PANDA) are pleased to announce details of our next Spotlight On, in partnership with Contact and Redeye.

This practical panel-led information and networking event is open to anyone working in the arts in the North West. Join us at 6.30pm on Tuesday 15th December 2009 as our panel of guest speakers examine the pros and cons of working for free in the arts.

The guest speakers for Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts are:

• Paul Herrmann – Director of Redeye, the photography network for the North West.

• Holly Ball – Freelance young people’s theatre facilitator, Creative Breaks placement and Changemakers Young Advocate for PANDA.

• Rose Durbin – Music technology tutor at The Manchester College and board member for National Skills Academy for Creative and Cultural Skills (NSA).

• David Corden – Actor and Chair of Equity North West of England General Branch.

PANDA and Redeye are two networks that share a common goal of developing a healthy and sustainable arts sector in the North West, with PANDA supporting the performing arts and Redeye, photography. This Spotlight On will advise performing arts practitioners and photographers alike how to strike a balance between creating mutually positive experiences and avoiding destructive exploitation.

Our panel of guest speakers will discuss:

• Ways of working for free – different options available for getting experience, including volunteering, placements, internships, apprenticeships, work experience schemes and secondments.

• The benefits of voluntary work – boost your CV by gaining valuable experience, making contacts, sharing skills and bringing your creativity and fresh perspectives to the situation.

• The negative elements – the issues and possible solutions around exploitation of artists and arts professionals, exclusion of people on low incomes who can’t afford to work for free, and the devaluation of work of the individual and the sector as a whole.

• How to find voluntary work – where to find existing opportunities, how to put in speculative applications, and get informed about your rights so you can make volunteering a positive experience and avoid any pitfalls.

• Engaging volunteers – when is it appropriate for arts organisations to offer unpaid work, what are the legal responsibilities involved and what paperwork is required?

• And finally, breaking the cycle – when and how to start getting paid for your work!

Plus there’s more…

After the panel event we will be running a couple of workshop sessions which you are welcome to attend.

Running alongside the workshops and continuing afterwards for those who have been taking part, we’ll be holding a festive social and networking session in the Contact Lounge bar. Stay and chat with the guest speakers and your friends, colleagues and new contacts from the Spotlight On panel event and workshop sessions and relax over a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie. The PANDA team will be there too to hear your ideas and suggestions for the Spotlight On programme next year.

Full details of the workshop sessions to be held after Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts will be announced soon at www.panda-arts.org.uk/workingforfree.

Book your place

To book a place at Spotlight On Working for Free in the Arts contact Rachel Morton on 0161 274 0626 or email rachel@panda-arts.org.uk.

www.panda-arts.org.uk/workingforfree