With our International Working Group entering into their third year of working together, we’ve asked our members to reflect on their organisational ambitions of working internationally, and share their top three tips.

Their insights offer a useful and unique perspective on how to move forwards with international ambition within a venue context here in the South East.

Image: Rollercoaster, produced by Wes Peden and Gandini Juggling © Florence Schroeder

Monique at artsdepot

• "Try and see work that you would be interested in bringing over. Often some of the UK festivals will have shows that might appeal to your audiences and they may be looking for a tour as well. This can help ease costs and make it all more affordable.
• Start with what will work locally - we have a large family audience so look for work that might appeal to them.
• Keep at it (and don't be scared) as lots of these relationships take time and repeated contact before anything comes to fruition."

Adam at The Garage, Norwich

• "Give time, more time than you think you will need - you can't rush this thing! The visa process is central and must be correct - give it the time and attention it deserves.
• Be clear in communication - ensure everyone is on the same page - email and video or telephone calls are useful; use both in tandem to make sure you're expectations are the same.
• Embrace the cultural difference in the creation of the work and in the operation of the companies, we have found that there is a relaxation that boarders on lackadaisical with some companies - this is not the same view or approach when it comes to the performance which is always precise and…
• …a cheeky 4^th - enjoy bringing something truly special to your audiences and participants (if you're able!)"

Peter at Farnham Maltings

• "Intention - Be clear about why you want to bring international work over. What is driving the intent - a desire to share innovation / the new? The impact of cross-cultural exchange? Reaching new audiences? Embed this in your organisational vision. It can also inform your internal and external communications in relation to the work.
• Partners - It can be time-consuming , risky and costly to bring international work to your venue (I’m really selling this…). Who are potential partners you can work with to share the load – other venues or festivals? Embassy support? Educational partnerships?
• Sustainability - International work can have a detrimental impact in terms of carbon footprint. Embed this thinking into your plans. Are there ways of travelling other than flying? Who absolutely needs to travel? Can the artists be more embedded within your venue / area - workshop programme / professional development / artist exchange? Are there concept touring models that can be explored in terms of international work?"

Louisa at Stanley Arts

• "Take the opportunity to see international work at UK based festivals. For example, festivals such as Greenwich and Docklands International Festival, Imaginate Edinburgh Children's International Festival, Brighton Fringe and Edinburgh Festival Fringe all present incredible work from around the world, and it is a chance to see several things at once.
• There are international artists working on your doorstep! I've found connecting with artists who have an international practice, but live and work locally, has provided us with insight into what is happening on global stages. Collaboration with them through artist development opportunities enables us to engage with international narratives and a broader range of work.
• Reflect your community's international diversity. As an arts centre surrounded by a breadth of international cultural communities in our local area, we are committed to reflecting our community in the building and through our programme. This has given us a focus for exploring international work and a direction of travel when looking to develop relationships and partnerships with international partners."

Interested in exploring what international working looks like at your venue?

We’re always happy to have a conversation over a cuppa if you think it would be useful or even introduce you to another network member. If that’s you, get in touch with Harriet on harriet.bolwell@housetheatre.org.uk