Welcome to the mini-site for the National Performance Network’s Annual Meeting in Knoxville, TN. If you are browsing this site, it means that you have been invited to head for the beautiful Tennessee mountains with your fellow NPN and VAN Partners, Artists and Colleagues to participate in this highly anticipated once-a-year event.
The Annual Meeting is a forum for networking and sharing strategies with each other, for advancing our professional and field development and for conversations that span generations and perspectives. Our hope is that you will walk away from the Meeting with the tools, the inspiration and connections to support your work when you return to your communities.
At this time, celebrations are in order–and we can all use something to feel good about! With this Annual Meeting, we are proudly announcing the launch of NPN’s 25th anniversary year-long celebration, and Knoxville host Carpetbag Theatre’s 40th anniversary. It took a lot of hard work to get to this point, and we are still going strong.
Official Meeting activities kick off on Thursday, December 10 and continue through the weekend until late Sunday night. Plan to arrive in time for "Knowing Knoxville! A Guide to the NPN/VAN Annual Meeting" on Thursday at 4:30pm, when you’ll learn everything you wanted to know about the Meeting (but were afraid to ask), and then enjoy seeing old friends and making new ones at the Opening Reception (both at the hotel).
BUT WAIT, THERE’S MORE:
We are providing two excellent opportunities for guided field trips to the heart of Appalachia.
You may never be closer to long-time NPN Partner Appalshop (also celebrating its 40th anniversary) , so take advantage of this fabulous side trip to Whitesburg, KY. This optional field trip leaves on Wednesday, December 9 at 1:30pm and returns in time for the 6:30 reception on Thursday. Cost for transportation and one overnight hotel in Whitesburg (double occupancy) is estimated $110 - $125.
All reservations must be made by November 1. Email Kathie deNobriga or call 404-299-9498
The trip includes a tour of Appalshop’s legendary production facilities, time to hear one of Roadside Theater’s core musicians, Ron Short and conversation with Appalshop staff. On the way home, we’ll visit one of Carpetbag’s long-term community partners African American Heritage Association and Green McAdoo School, a historic site in Clinton TN, before returning to your hotel in time for the NPN opening reception.
Can’t come in a day early, but still want to see one of Appalachia and the South’s chief cultural treasures? On Thursday Dec. 10, a van-load will travel to Highlander Research and Education Center, in near-by New Market TN, for a brief visit. Highlander has been supporting cultural organizers, activists and communities in creating social justice for 75 years….Van will leave at 1:30pm, return by 6pm; you pay only for shared van (estimated $35-$40). Have lunch on your own before you leave, no need to stay overnight.