Today FMTW began our Future Lab series of panels, with an AMAZING line up of artistic directors and freelancers: Vicky Featherstone, Libby Todd, Lisa Spirling, Matt Humphrey, Alex Clifton, Simon Sharkey, Yamin Choudury, Helen Griffiths, Daniel Evans, Ailin Conant, Tom Bird and Andy Whyment.
The first panel gathered to discuss the question: What are solutions for immediate, possible and inclusive activity?
It was a fantastic two hours of in-depth discussion, thoughts, ideas and solutions which we can’t wait to follow up on next week. There will be a full written report to follow also.
Our next panel takes place on Wednesday where will discuss How can we engage and invest in freelancers in innovative ways while traditional routes are affected? with 12 different panel members followed by our final of this first series on Friday.

What are the Future Labs?
A series of solutions-focussed panel sessions to discuss ways to support freelancers through the current crisis, engage them in the reopening of theatres, and include them in shaping the future of our industry.
The immediate aim of the Labs is to find ways to support freelancers through the current crisis, engage them in the reopening of theatres, and include them in shaping the future of our industry. Each discussion will be conducted in the pursuit of these solutions, not just as a talking shop.
At the end of the series, we hope that we will be able to present these solutions in a way that organisations will be able to put into practice moving forward.