We are delighted to have completed our first major project in Scotland, funded by Scotland’s Workplace Equality Fund. Delivered in partnership with Scottish theatre and dance organisations including Federation of Scottish Theatre, National Theatre Scotland, Edinburgh Festival Fringe Society, Birds of Paradise, Dance Base, Stellar Quines, Scottish Dance Theatre and The Work Room, this project has galvanised local support for parents and carers.
Find the full Impact Report here.
Running from November 2019 to September 2020, this project encouraged both organisations and individual practitioners to share their practices, insights, and resources via regular ‘Coffee Mornings’ and forums. The project also facilitated coaching sessions for parents and carers and learning events and seminars for Scottish performing arts organisations. Participating organisations received ongoing consultations as part of PiPA’s Charter Programme, as well as our Toolkit and Resources.
Through this project we collected valuable data, particularly around the challenges and needs of performing arts freelancers with caring responsibilities and deepened our understanding of how organisations can better support their freelance workforce. As a direct result of this project we are looking to launch similar initiatives in other areas so watch this space!
We were fortunate enough to meet some terrific parent and carers who shared their testimonials with us. These included: Tara McGirr is a young Scottish/ Thai performer who cares for her siblings; Adura Onashile is a Glasgow based writer, director and actor; Natasha Gilmore is a Choreographer and Artistic Director of Barrowland Ballet.