About

We are starting a series of monthly assemblies to encourage connections, interactions, and peer-led support for performance makers of diverse backgrounds and disciplines who are based in Greater Exeter, and Devon+Cornwall at large. This first Assembly will focus on the theme of 'coming together'. It is an invitation to participate, collaborate and join forces to boost our collective sense of purpose, capabilities and wellbeing. To have candid and inspiring conversations in a safe and positive environment. While we intend to tackle the difficult issues we are all currently facing, we also intend to bring play and joy into this process. This Assembly will be facilitated by Riversmeet producer Maureen Casey (Exmouth), cultivated by storyteller Sandhya Dave (Exeter), and curated with small sharings from local artists (to be announced shortly).

There will be small break-out rooms for curated conversations and for social interaction. Some of the names for breakout rooms in our first Assembly will be inspired by the very conventional spots we, as artists, miss in lockdown particularly: green rooms, venue bars and cafes, even such banal spots as toilet queues, corridors or pass-through lobbies, etc. Have a great idea for a name? Send it to hello@maketank.org.uk.

Some of the questions for discussion we propose:

• How can we create a nurturing environment to have conversations that lead to change?
• How can we build a foundation for diversity, equality and inclusion in every assembly?
• How can we navigate the future together that feels uncertain?
• How can we celebrate what we have so far?

If you have any specific questions or something you’d like to talk about during this or next assemblies, please email hello@maketank.org.uk

What is PIE?

PIE (Performance In Exeter) is a member-led network for the performing and live arts community in Greater Exeter and Devon+Cornwall at large, which includes diverse artists of various disciplines for whom performance is an essential aspect of their process and/or final creation. This network is rooted in diversity, inclusion and equality. PIE's intention is to function as a community of practice. Initiated by Maketank in the fall of 2020 as a response to a lack of connectivity for local performance ecology with support of Arts Council England, PIE aspires to be an independent entity in partnership with local arts and cultural organisations, institutions and initiatives.

What is Community of Practice?

Communities of practice are groups of people who share a concern or a passion for something they do and learn how to do it better as they interact regularly. Members of a community of practice are practitioners. They develop a shared repertoire of resources: experiences, stories, tools, ways of addressing recurring problems—in short a shared practice. This takes time and sustained interaction. More can be found on Wenger-Trayner website.

Diverse Disciplines

When we speak of performance makers, we embrace a multitude of forms such as theatre, live art, participatory and social practice, experimental and classical music, dance, performance writing, playwriting, dramaturgy, poetry, scenography, expanded film and video, small forms, performance with digital systems, game based and immersive events, site responsive and site specific interventions, performance in public spaces, … and more. None of these descriptions fit your practice? but you are curious? come along!

Safe Space

PIE is committed to dialogue, active listening, cooperation, collaboration, sharing, solidarity and empathy in developing the voices and practices of artists and creative practitioners.

We operate and conduct our events, meetups, discussions and exchanges in a safe welcoming space both online and in real time. After signing up for this event, you will receive a working collection of guidelines. PIE aims to make spaces and schedules for public gatherings as accessible as possible to the widest range of people.