About this website: On the 26th and 27th of November 2009, a group of people came together at the Crescent Theatre in Birmingham to begin to answer the question "How do we create a better future for theatre, here, in the West Midlands". This website holds the notes from the sessions held over those two days, and allows anyone (whether they were present at the event or not) to continue the conversations from the event. You can read Alison Gagen's full invitation to the event here

How can Mid Point help?

Convenor:

Paul Warick

Attendees:

Dom Watson, Leah Alcock, Katy Farrel, PO Hailon, Samina Zahir

Description:

What could Mid*Point be?

What different roles could Mid*Point play?

Networking - Being networked …You never stop thinking that other people are having more interesting conversations

Dissemination of ideas/ needs

Opportunities, for example work - First Bite, Optimist

Feedback

Opportunities – eg. Jobs

Socialising – drinks, visits

Important that key people are here, Members need to add content

Make good use of social media
Facebook (potential support from Katerina Pushkin, .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)
Website needs to be supported by meetings
Needs membership (can approach, can just send a message)

How might Mid*Point grow in the future?

Consultancy

Production/ Facilitation

Mid*Point Showcase

Brokering (some already happening, ACE, China Plate)

Mentoring Support

Information flow - Mid*Point makes it happen
Eg Kindle met ACE and China Plate at a Mid*Point event

Rehearsal space database
Genesis Database

The role Mid*Point currently plays is as a ‘a meeting place’ but it does need to be geographically spread

Mid*Point is currently free of charge.  Should it have membership fees, would people appreciate it/ value it more?  There could be bursaries, it’s important that money doesn’t exclude, as the networking opportunities are important for young/ emerging companies

Mid*Point already has a social feeling - Mid*Point creating a culture too, standing for something good

It is a space for conversation, there are inspirational conversations, trends,
Issues being raised in this space

It’s cathartic, but is this enough?

Should it have a lobbying/ advocacy role?

What about action, eg, letter to BCC Grants,

Facilitation or addressing issues that are raised by members

Being a collective voice, what are the issues, how are they agreed?
What is being actioned, by whom?

Mid*Point has more power as a membership organization

The history of Mid*Point is as a network – lack of regional connectivity
Cross fertilization, engage, but not a critical role

The list is primarily made up of emerging companies – of which there’s been an upsurge in young companies

What does Mid*Point offer established companies
It’s unclear; is this ok?

Role of Mid*Point in being mentors – giving ‘credibility’ to individuals and organizations

Shouldn’t just be a moaning shop

Insiders/ Outsiders - Mid*Point is open to all groups/ individuals