ABO/British Council Professional Exchange Programme
ABO/British Council Professional Exchange Programme - call out for applications
Deadline: 5pm, Monday 16 October 2023
The Association of British Orchestras (ABO) and the British Council are offering the opportunity for up to 4 ABO member organisations and 4 international organisations based in ODA-eligible countries with British Council operations to take part in a new Professional Exchange Programme.
About the programme
This Professional Exchange Programme offers a framework for rich interaction between diverse organisations, enabling them to learn from each other’s experience, cultural context and insights. By pairing organisations rather than individuals, we will encourage the involvement of multiple colleagues at different levels of seniority and the development of future collaborations appropriate to their work and aspirations. The ABO will offer support and structure to the programme, ensuring that commitments are honoured and that regular points of contact are facilitated.
The programme supports professional development at personal and organisational level. It will enable participants to:
· Share innovative work within specialist areas within the partnership
· Build new relationships and creative exchange beyond the scope of the partnerships
· Expand their professional development opportunities (staff and musicians including young people)
· Challenge their own practice and thinking, for the benefit of their organisation
· Develop an international profile and contacts
The programme will include online meetings, workshops and discussions (minimum of one per month). The ABO, with the British Council, will facilitate an online programme launch event, and a final closing event with all 8 participating organisations. The international organisations will have the opportunity to attend the ABO Conference, 24-26 January 2024, in Bristol, and to have face to face meetings with their counterparts in the UK.
Who the opportunity is for
As part of the ABO’s commitment to inclusion, and the wider ecology around professional orchestras we would like to offer this opportunity to four ABO member organisations: two Full Members, one Associate member, and one Affiliate member. The four UK organisations will be partnered with four international organisations who are based in ODA-eligible countries with British Council operations. The selection process will be jointly undertaken by the ABO and British Council. Pairings will be made to support each organisation’s interests. If you are unsure of your organisation’s ABO membership, please visit the website for further information and a directory of members: https://abo.org.uk/directory
If you have questions about the ABO/British Council Professional Exchange Programme, please contact Fiona Harvey, Education and Youth Ensembles Consultant, Association of British Orchestras: Fiona@abo.org.uk
To be considered for the Professional Exchange Programme, please complete and return the application form to Fiona@abo.org.uk by no later than 5pm on Monday 16 October 2023
Application Form: