from surviving to thriving: development, internationalisation and navigating uncertainty in challenging times

The workshop will be divided into three parts.

part one: introduction
We’ll start with a short introduction, where we will get the chance to meet each other briefly.

We are facing a multidimensional global crisis, and I I must admit I do not have a ready-made-fit-all strategy for  sustainable international career development  for arts professionals. I am myself challenged by the following  issues:
sustaining of a global network, building an international career while living in the peripheries, overproduction in the performing arts sector, widespread professional burnout, the isolation of the industry (the need for cross-sectoral projects), building financial independence and diversification of funding.

Since I believe the best learning comes from mutual inspiration and exchange, we will quickly move on to the most important section of the workshop.

part two: hands-on workshop
In this session, I will introduce a small-group discussion technique designed for case studies and collective problem-solving or reframing challenges (based on the Nest Method, developed by the Center for Leadership in Warsaw).

Each participant will present one key challenge they are currently facing in terms of their career building —whether related to international work, sustainability, care (care for others or/and self-care), or financial stability (or lack of therof). Together, we will select two cases to work through as a group, dedicating about 60 minutes to each challenge.

part three: wrap-up & reflection
We will conclude with a short summary, sharing key takeaways and insights.

Ahead of the workshop, participants will receive a letter with further details and one task for preparation of the session.

I am curious about your case studies and I look forward to meeting you.

The workshop is addressed to all arts professionals, especially those involved in the spectrum of production.

This workshop has a limited number of participants. If the event is already fully booked on our website, please contact us via our contact form. We will then keep a waiting list and contact you if there are any vacancies.

Julia Asperska is an art manager, coach, networker, and context curator. She holds a Master's in Ethnolinguistics at the Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (2006) and attended a postgraduate course on art history and curation at Adam Mickiewicz University in Poznań (2013).

Her passion for arts began with an internship at Brisbane Powerhouse, Australia (2008). Afterwards, she worked in Teatr Dramatyczny in Warsaw and Warszawa Centralna Festival (2010). For 9 years (2011-2010) she worked as an Art Project Manager at Key Performance, an art management company based in Sweden. For 2 years she was the Associated Co-Director of Something Great management company (2020-2022) where she worked as the Collection Manager of Something Great Collection - a Berlin-based project dedicated solely to performing arts preservation, research, and presentation. During 2018-2024 she collaborated with Campo Abierto - an NGO from Uruguay focusing on social inclusion through the arts. Julia worked as Associated Curator at InternationaleTanzmesse NRW in Duesseldorf (2021-2024)

Currently, Julia Asperska curates and implements cross-sectoral artistic projects and works as a both individual and team coach and mentor. She supports organizations with artistic, curatorial, and strategic advice.