Jazz Promotion Network Conference 2022

Tickets are now available for the 2022 Jazz Promotion Network conference, ‘Where Pathways Meet’. Taking place at The MAC, in Belfast’s vibrant Cathedral Quarter on 3 and 4 November, the conference will bring the UK and Irish jazz sector together to focus on the most important issues and topics in jazz right now. Inspired by the Sun Ra composition of the same name, ‘Where Pathways Meet’ will have a firm focus on the future of jazz in these islands and beyond. The programme will also provide ideas and practical advice that delegates will be able to apply in their own work immediately.

Programmed in partnership with Moving On Music in Belfast and the Improvised Music Company in Dublin, ‘Where Pathways Meet’ will feature a range of speakers from across the jazz sector, alongside a showcase of jazz talent from Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. The conference will cover a broad range of topics, with panels featuring musicians, educators, promoters, agents and managers from all five nations.

We are thrilled that Belfast-born composer Brian Irvine MBE will join us on Thursday as a keynote speaker, with a theme of ‘Jazz as a Beacon of Hope’.

The opening Routes Into Jazz panels will discuss the future of jazz in the UK and Ireland, with a focus on where the next generation of jazz activists and artists are coming from. A series of Learning Sessions offer delegates the opportunity to share information and discuss topics including promotion, volunteering, funding, careers in music, greener touring and education. A Five Nations Jazz panel will explore what’s going on across our five nations and how are people reacting to the post-Brexit environment and the cost-of-living crisis, and there will also be an opportunity to Meet the Funders from each of the national funding bodies.

Live Showcases

On the Thursday evening, delegates will have a chance to hear some of the most exciting jazz artists from across the island of Ireland in the relaxed surroundings of The Black Box (a few minutes from The MAC) in an unmissable programme curated by our conference partners Moving On Music and Improvised Music Company. Thrill to the sounds of Scott Flanigan Quartet, RBG Trio, Izumi Kimura and Lina Andonovska, and Robocobra Quartet.

There will be further live music slots throughout the daytime, including sets from MOBO award winning percussionist David Lyttle and drummer Steve Davis.

Ticketing Information

JPN Members are eligible for free access to the event. Simply select the JPN Member option on Eventbrite to secure your space. Those joining JPN now will also be eligible to attend for free as part of their membership, which is the same price as a conference ticket. To find out more about JPN membership and what benefits you receive as a member, click here.

For non-members, full conference tickets are priced at £55 for individuals and voluntary organisations, and £140 for all other organisations. This ticket price includes access to the full conference programme, lunch and tickets for the artists showcase at Black Box (subject to availability). We offer day tickets at £40 for individuals and £100 for organisations. We’re also offering reduced-cost tickets for under-30s at £30 for both days and £15 for one day.

Lunch will be included at the conference. If you have any dietary requirements, please select the relevant option at checkout.

We’re committed to making our conferences accessible to all. If you have any access requirements please let us know via membership@jazzpromotionnetwork.org.uk

Please note, this conference is an in-person only event; a summary of themes and major points raised will be available on the JPN website after the event.

We're pleased to acknowledge funding from Creative Scotland, Arts Council Wales and Arts Council Northern Ireland, and sponsorship from Making Music and The Musicians’ Union.