Established in 1997, NWN exists as a ‘community’ to expose, investigate, profile and share ideas and knowledge regarding pioneering arts practices (historic & contemporary) and the significant roles they play within society (past, present & future) and to encourage dialogue and activity across generations around the sustainability, custodianship and legacy of these practices and works.

NWN describes pioneering arts practices as experimental, interdisciplinary and boundary-breaking practices which may include fine-art based performance, new media, live art, experimental dance, site-specific work, sonic art, moving image, sci-art and socially engaged practice among others.

NWN will do this by:

•    Uncovering, profiling and sharing knowledge and ideas regarding obscured and seminal practices and providing opportunities for these to be reconsidered.

•    Creating opportunities to share ideas, skills and experience across generations, disciplines and areas and generating opportunities for the development of these practices through exchanges, residencies, training, bursaries etc.

•    Strengthening partnerships and developing opportunities for exchange with research institutions and other organisations interested in these practices.

•    Initiating formal and informal learning around the social circumstances, philosophies, concepts and ideologies at the core of these art practices for diverse audiences.

•    Exploring new models of dialogue and exchange to encourage alternative ways of thinking across disciplines and generations.

•    Developing innovative models (on and offline) for collecting and sharing the history and living memory of these practices to provide an accessible legacy for the future.

•    Advocating for the need to support pioneering arts practices and their role within society and developing a critical mass to ensure their future.

In the long term, NWN aims to shift perceptions of the role pioneering arts practices play in society and provide a legacy for these seminal practices which are notoriously ephemeral. It aims to strengthen existing and develop new partnerships across all disciplines. NWN will strengthen its infrastructure and develop its mechanisms for sharing and disseminating information on a local, national and global level. The aim is to create a Critical Mass which has a greater understanding of and intimacy with these practices and nurture new forms of inclusive dialogue to effect change and foster alternative ways of thinking for the future.

NWN Members

New Work Network maintains a members area which focuses specifically on its membership. You can join the network, message other members, advertise events and gather information at www.newworknetwork.org.uk

New Work Network (NWN) is a Company Limited by Guarantee and registered charity (1122268) managed by a Board of Trustees. NWN currently has one full time member of staff, two  administrative interns and works with freelancers on specific projects.

New Work Network’s current Board of Trustees are:

• Gillian Dyson, appointed April 2011
• Jane Greenfield (Chair), appointed December 2008
• Richard Layzell, appointed April 2011
• Peter Petralia, appointed April 2011
• Julianne Pierce, appointed December 2008