Join YTAS to explore how you can work internationally with youth theatres from outwith Scotland through the Erasmus + scheme.

Are you ready to explore how you can connect with youth theatres and colleagues from outwith Scotland? Well, the brilliant news is that the UK has rejoined the Erasmus + programme for 2027, and the youth theatre sector now has the chance to start reaching out and building connections with European partners.

But how do you get started? We’d love to support our members to access this opportunity, and this Knowledge Exchange will provide space for organisations to start to tease out project ideas and themes. This will help us to act as a matchmaker with our European youth theatre networks.

This session is not about breaking down the details of the application process, but about taking space to expand and create new project ideas for youth exchanges or partnership projects. We will be joined by Liz Green, YouthLink’s Workforce and Practice Manager, who leads on international collaboration. She has a wealth of knowledge about Erasmus + and will be on hand as a sounding board for project ideas and conversations.

You may find it useful to attend a free webinar with the British Council to learn more about the application criteria in advance or read further details about the programme here.

What’s a Knowledge Exchange?

Building on previous exchange events and practical Swap Shops, our series of Knowledge Exchange events are facilitated meetings about a specific topic or trend that we have identified in the sector.

They are a space to come together and share knowledge in all forms, whether that’s discussing projects you’re involved in, offering a sneak-peak at policies you’re writing, sharing processes and admin top tips, or making new connections across the sector.

Knowledge Exchange sessions won’t aim to solve the issues presented or invent new projects, although they may lead to actions for Future Us… by attending, you’ll be helping YTAS to identify further ways to support and advocate for the amazing work of the youth theatre sector.

Who is it for?

Knowledge Exchange events are open to all YTAS members, those representing organisations as well as freelancers. The conversations will likely centre around topics which are relevant to managers or those responsible for implementing change within their organisations, but we welcome a wide range of knowledge and experience.

There is no minimum or maximum number of attendees – whoever comes along are the right people to come along and we will hold everyone’s knowledge and experience with the same importance.

YTAS staff will host and facilitate each meeting, document the conversations, and share notes at the end. We have programmed the first six topics for this year (with further dates to add for some topics), but we welcome ideas for future exchange.

Meetings will be a mix of virtual gatherings as well as regionally-focused conversations. If you have a venue and are interested in hosting a Knowledge Exchange in your region, get in touch!

Other Knowledge Exchange Events

Digital Safeguarding: Wednesday 25 November 2026, 12.30pm

Trans Inclusion and the EHRC Code of Practice: Wednesday 2 December 2026, 11.30am

UNCRC and Rights-Based Approaches to Youth Theatre: Wednesday 27 January 2027, 2.30pm

Fair Work in Practice: Tuesday 16 February 2027, 10am

EDI Policy and Action Planning: Wednesday 17 March 2027, 1pm

Broadening Participation in Youth Theatre: Tuesday 13 April 2027, 10am

This is a safe space where all identities are welcome and valued

YTAS strives to create and hold events and spaces where everyone feels welcome and the safety of others is valued. This commitment applies to all our online and in-person services, activities, and communication channels.

We have a zero-tolerance policy towards any behaviour which creates feelings of unease, discomfort, offence, embarrassment, humiliation, or intimidation, whether intentional or not. This includes but is not limited to; transphobia, homo or biphobia, racism, ableism, sexism, or class discrimination. See our Safe Spaces statement for more information about YTAS’ commitments to safety and best practice.