Launched in 2015, the ITI/UNESCO Network for Higher Education in the Performing Arts is a joint initiative of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the International Theatre Institute (ITI).
The Network has now, as its members, more than 20 higher educations in the performing arts and research institutions from around the world. The Network's main focus is higher education in the performing arts – drama, theatre, dance, music theatre, playwriting and all related performing arts disciplines. The Network's vision is to make performing arts education accessible to students and interested individuals all over the world. Its mission is to bring institutions of higher education in the performing arts together and create meaningful, long-term projects and activities which strive to improve standards and make education in the performing arts, and related disciplines, universally accessible. It pursues its mission by holding Conferences, Festivals, Symposiums, and any other activity for the benefit of the performing arts, as well as encouraging exchange and collaboration programs between its members.
In order to enhance the exchange and cooperation among its member institutions and continuously grow the Network as an organization, the Network will, in collaboration with the Shanghai Theatre Academy (STA), hold its 2nd General Assembly and an Open Assembly in Shanghai, China from 17 to 22 October 2018.
This event will be jointly sponsored by ITI and STA and with the support of the China Shanghai International Arts Festival.
A Conference Prologue including a series of round tables and sessions will be held from 17 to 19 October inviting Chinese and foreign experts to participate in the exploration of two themes, i.e. Establishing Globally Applicable Teaching Criteria in Acting and Directing Modules, and Establishing Performing Arts University Evaluation Systems.
From 20 to 22 October, the 2nd General Assemble of the Network and the Open Assembly will be held involving more than 40 persons-in-charge and representatives of higher education institutions in performing arts and research institutions from 32 different countries. The activities of the three days include: introduction and exchange activities for the members, project showcase, conference on "Performing Arts Education in a Globalized Context" and routine meetings of the Network etc.
