WHY?
Let’s start here! Because whilst our name may be changing, our ethos and vision remain the same…
MISSION
To be a forum that supports all those working across the performing arts industry, including artists, arts workers, and organisations, to build a better connected, more diverse, and stronger community, and secure the resources needed to sustain and strengthen the sector
Click here for more information: Our Story
REELING IN THE YEARS
Theatre Forum began back in the late ’90s. At that time, companies and artists felt that they were working in isolation, and that the sector was fragmented. A group of theatre practitioners met and connected more by networking and sharing.
Everyone agreed there should be less separation between the presenters of work (venues and festivals) and the makers of work (artists and presenters, touring companies). The sector wanted a collective voice to advocate for the performing arts to government as well as supporting the Arts Council’s advocacy.
In 2003, Theatre Forum was incorporated! Its mission was to be the collective voice for the performing arts, to represent the disparate views of members including theatre, dance and opera production companies as well as venues, festivals and individual artists.
Click here to see Theatre Forum’s very own “Reeling in the Years”, during its 21 years of existence!
TODAY
Today, we feel that Performing Arts Forum much better represents the diversity of our membership and are embracing the tagline Where Connection Creates Change.
For us, Where Connection Creates Change isn’t simply just a tagline – it’s our guiding ethos. At the core of Performing Arts Forum is the profound value of connection.
‘At the core of Performing Arts Forum is the profound value of connection. It’s about the relationships that are built, the ties that are strengthened, and the sense of belonging that sustains the performing arts community.’
-Irma McLoughlin, Interim Director of Performing Arts Forum
LIMERICK GATHERING
Performing Arts Forum are now live with Early Bird Tickets to our 2025 Annual Gathering!
More information hereÂ
SLIGO GATHERING
For two decades, our Annual Gathering has stood as a landmark event in the performing arts calendar. Last year, in Sligo, held an extra special significance as it’s our first Gathering as Performing Arts Forum!
Over these two days, we invited everyone to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. It was a chance to come together, to connect, and to reflect on what truly matters, what lies ahead, and how we can collaboratively shape our future.
Over the two days, we explored many themes under the concept Where Connection Creates Change including freedom of expression, career viability and sustainability, advocacy, audience research and lots more!
For more information, click here: Sligo Gathering
DOWNLOADABLES
Two things to download include:
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- The PDF of a Poster that can be printed to advertise Performing Arts Forum and the supports we provide, which can be displayed in arts centres and green rooms across Ireland. We also have printed copies in the office (Festival House, Dublin 2), if you are in Dublin and are interested in collecting any hard copies. We can also send/drop them to you, if convenient.
- We have also created new Members Badges below for you to feature on your website, to be linked to www.performingartsforum.ie (Right click, Save as):
