The International Inclusive Arts Network (IIAN) has held its General Assembly in Milan, reaffirming its commitment to strengthening international collaboration and advancing inclusive practices across the arts.
The Assembly reviewed the Network’s activities and development over the past year, following the current Board’s establishment after the Constitutional Congress of February 2025. Discussions reflected on IIAN’s growing international engagements, learning exchanges, Coffee Sessions, partnerships, and ongoing work to build stronger structures for the Network.
Members also considered IIAN’s priorities for the next phase, including the continued development of its Inclusive Toolkit and plans for expanded collaboration with practitioners and organisations working across different cultural and geographical contexts.
At the Assembly, Om’Oba Jerry Adesewo was returned as President of IIAN, continuing his leadership of the Network. The Assembly also elected Burcu Yilmaz of Turkey to the Board, bringing her experience in inclusive arts practice and arts-based work with children and communities into the Network’s leadership.
Ginni Manning of the United Kingdom emerged as the new Vice President, succeeding Jaume Bello of Spain, who stepped down from the position earlier in the year. The Assembly acknowledged Bello’s contribution to the development of IIAN and welcomed Manning into the new role.
The changes come as IIAN continues to consolidate itself as an international platform for practitioners, organisations and advocates committed to making the arts more inclusive. The Network’s work has increasingly centred on creating spaces for exchange, sharing practical approaches and encouraging conversations that move beyond accessibility as an add-on to consider inclusion as part of artistic thinking and practice.
Speaking at the Assembly, Adesewo emphasised the importance of sustaining IIAN as a space where practitioners from different contexts can learn from one another and collectively challenge established approaches to inclusion.
The Milan Assembly also looked ahead to the Network’s programme for the coming period, with the Board expected to develop its priorities and activities following the meeting.
As IIAN enters its next phase, the Network will continue work on its Inclusive Toolkit, while preparations for further international exchanges and collaborations are underway. The Assembly also marked an important moment of renewal for the Network, bringing together its governance, membership and shared vision around its core mission: to Inspire, Challenge and Promote inclusive practices in the arts.