An insight into ‘Long Table’ discussion ahead of Inclusive Practice In Action 2024

With just one week to go until our Inclusive Practice In Action (IPIA) gathering ‘A Seat At The Table’, we asked karmokar (IPIA 2024 co-host and Wired4Music Producer) to share an insight into the long table discussion set to take place during the afternoon of our IPIA gathering. In this article, karmokar explains the origins and context of this discussion format, as well as sharing some brief guidelines and prompts for delegates to reflect on ahead of this section of the day.

The “Long Table”, developed by artist Lois Weaver, is an experimental way of facilitating a dialogue in a relaxed dinner table manner between individuals with common interests.

Using this format for our discussion opens a safe space for everyone present to have informal discussions about important topics and gives them a literal “Seat at the Table”.

Taking reflections, provocations and learnings from the day’s presentations and workshops, this discussion welcomes everyone to express their thoughts in conversations where they feel valued and heard.

“Everyone is welcome to come to the table, ask questions, make statements, leave comments, or simply sit, listen, and watch.”

Guidelines for a long table discussion:

• Only those sat at the table can speak.
• You can stay at the table as little or as long as you want.
• You can at any time join/leave/come back to the table.
• Respect everyone’s opinions and listen to each other.
• Avoid dominating the conversation.

Prompts for our IPIA long table discussion:

• What does having ‘A Seat at the Table’ mean to you?
• When was the first time you felt like you had a seat or gave a seat to someone else?
• What does the music industry/music education sector need to do to share power with young people?
• What are your key takeaways from today’s event?

If some delegates do not want to physically go up to the table, there will be other ways for them to take part in the discussion, including a virtual table via mentimeter and old school post-it notes.

Inclusive Practice In Action 2024: A Seat At The Table

Thursday 14 March 2024, 9:30am – 5:00pm
Human Rights Action Centre

Join Sound Connections for our annual IPIA gathering 2024, dedicated to Youth Voice! Curated and led by young people in partnership with Sound Connections, expect personal perspectives surrounding inclusivity and equity, practical workshops, drop-in surgeries, panel discussions, networking, delicious food, and even some live performances from our Wired4Music community!

Discover the full programme here.

Meet the speakers here.