BEAF 2023: the importance of alcohol-free spaces in the arts
We’ve chosen to create sober spaces, for alcohol-free theatre performances, at this year’s arts festival and beyond. Here’s why…
Image: Si Mack, part of The Outsiders Project ©️ Roz Pike
BEAF 2023 is bringing unheard voices to Boscombe from 16-25 June. This year’s arts festival is an incredible celebration of creativity, showcasing a programme full of exhibitions, workshops and performances dedicated to its central theme.
BEAF 2023 is about amplifying voices and sharing experiences with the community, but it is also about championing accessibility, inclusivity and affordability within the arts.
It’s one of the reasons why we operate a ‘pay what you can’ ticketing price structure and include access information for our venues. We want as many people as possible to feel welcome and be able to come to our events. It’s also why we’ve created alcohol-free spaces for some performances during BEAF 2023 festival and beyond.
Image: Prime Cuts ©️ Roz Pike
BEAF’s alcohol-free spaces
BEAF 2023 features some outstanding outsider artists throughout the festival’s programme, which includes writers from The Outsiders Project. To show support and solidarity with their lived experiences, we will not be offering drinks at these performances. We also ask that guests please do not bring their own drinks in.
“Alcohol-free spaces are helpful – in fact, they’re essential in my personal opinion – as a safe environment for people in recovery.” – Debbie, artist and writer at The Outsiders Project.
Part of the Safe Homes Network
The theatre in Boscombe Arts Depot (B.A.D.) is also part of the Safe Homes Network, which is an informal network of venues and organisations who understand the conditions required to host and share work created by unheard voices.
The Safe Homes Network is not based on money or prestige, but on exchange and authenticity. The Safe Homes Network has an understanding that the old models of touring and creating theatre don’t always work for the artists they work with, so the organisation puts the needs of the artists first.
Alcohol-free performances at BEAF 2023
- ‘kid’ by Si Mack from The Outsiders Project
- Scott Lavene: A night of music and stories
- John Healy: Q&A
- The Lock-In
Tickets for all BEAF 2023 performances are on sale now. See the programme in full.
The Outsiders Project
The Outsiders Project supports artists, to give them a voice. They in turn give other people their voice.
The Outsiders Project’s vision is to show that people side-lined from society can write, perform and create work at the highest level. The Outsiders Project supports artists to push boundaries to provide they can create work of outstanding quality and worth.
A BEAF Arts Co initiative, The Outsiders Project runs workshops and monthly forums, making their own work and in partnership with other organisations. Find out more.
