August 10, 2021

Another Route

The project is designed and led by a new consortium of independent artists and companies from across the UK who bring to the project a variety of different experiences of working internationally across a broad range of contexts, not always with formal institutional support. For every company involved, the experience of connecting with other artistic communities and cultures and meeting and collaborating with people very different to themselves has transformed the way they think about live performance and about their place in the world. The aim of this project is to share that experience and support other artists who desire the same opportunity to begin re-imagining how they make their work and who they are able to make it with.

Another Route is a project designed by artists for artists, built upon a spirit of internationalism and a shared understanding of the benefits of ensuring generosity, mutuality and collaboration are central to how we connect with the rest of the world. It will bring together brilliant practitioners based across England, particularly those historically excluded from opportunities to work internationally, with a broad range of exciting international and UK partners and collaborators. In spaces across the world they will have the opportunity to begin talking, imagining and making new performance together.

Andy Field, Deborah Pearson and Ira Brand, Co-Directors of Forest Fringe, said:

“We are incredibly excited to be part of the remarkable group of independent performance makers that have been gathered around this project. Together we are trying to do something genuinely different for artists in this country. A new pathway into working internationally for people who might never have previously thought this was an option available to them.”

Jon Opie, Deputy Director of Jerwood Arts, said:

“International working has always been part of the picture for artists trying to find ways to sustain their careers and enrich their practices. It’s about cultural exchange and inspiration as well as reaching out to new audiences and finding new commissions. How to do this has always been challenging and with previous networks and opportunities disrupted, this new consortium of artists and companies brings a wealth of experience and resources to help fellows overcome the obstacles. Jerwood Arts is delighted to be supporting this new programme to enable UK artists reach beyond this country’s borders.”

Another Route is designed by a consortium of UK independent performance companies led by Forest Fringe, Total Theatre Network and Artsadmin and supported by 1927, Action Hero, Candoco, Coney, Forced Entertainment, Gecko, The Javaad Alipoor Company, No Fit State Circus, Quarantine, Stan’s Cafe, Tania El Khoury and ZU-UK.

The project is supported by Arts Council England, the British Council and Jerwood Arts.

Full details of the project and an open call for artists to apply will be announced in Autumn 2021.

Find out more on the Another Route website.

For images and any other press enquiries please contact Forest Fringe co-director Andy Field at [email protected].

Another Route logo 2021