Wide open space

At the core of International Workshop Festival’s (IWF) work is the desire to identify and fill gaps in existing arts provision, to set trends in performance and to detect new ones as they emerge. Established in 1987, IWF has brought some of the world’s leading theatre-makers to London to inspire all who are interested in exploring performance cultures, learning new skills, refreshing old ones, or creating new work. Through IWF’s ongoing aspiration to examine, reinvent and reinvigorate all forms of performance practice, Open Space was launched in 2006 as an opportunity for emerging choreographers, dance companies and directors to showcase new work. As well as supporting emergent artists, Open Space provides established artists with the opportunity to perform works in progress. We understand the fundamental importance to the artist of being allowed to discover, tinker, test and, most importantly, take risks with a new work or concept in front of an informed and supportive audience in a safe performance environment. This experience not only informs their personal practices but also stimulates creative renewal. Acting as an otherwise unavailable rung on the performance ladder, Open Space enables progression to more high profile performance opportunities, establishes a wider professional network and fosters successful collaborations.

Inspired by our move to the newly opened Siobhan Davies Studios in 2006, we carved Open Space out of the large spacious Roof Studio, purpose-built with the dance community in mind. Open Space grew in parallel with the openness and informality of the studio, when used as a performance and audience space. As an existing base for dance practitioners, dance artists and supporters are naturally drawn to the event, but it is aimed at all physical practitioners, whose work uses bodies and space as the main drive for their performance. The pieces are required to have little or no technical elements, to maintain the simplicity of the event within its space. This enables us to fit the entire programme into one hour with ease – with the exception of impromptu discussions in our foyer-bar after, and the occasional use of other informal areas for artists to supplement their performances using multimedia displays, physical installations or performer interaction before, during or after their performance. Each monthly event also welcomes a new work-in-progress photographer to document the performances, as well as to broaden their own work by exploring the live moving image. The event has grown steadily since its small beginnings three years ago, launching careers and including an increasing number of contributors. Many past participants have continued to perform around London and to receive bursaries and awards for their work. 2008 has seen Open Space attracting new dance audiences. Works of the future are seen here first, and, as Lyndsey Winship of TimeOut wrote, it is where “to find out what’s preoccupying young choreographers and spot some of the big names of tomorrow”.