It’s been a tough 12 months for the arts.

With theatres closed and most types of performance at a standstill as the Covid-19 restrictions rumble on, there have been precious few if any opportunities for professional artists to make post-pandemic career plans.

It’s been a strange time for Sophie Motley too. The new Artistic Director of The Everyman has now started her role at the MacCurtain Street theatre full time, but ongoing lockdown rules are preventing her from getting to know local artists.

Now Motley is inviting local professionals who make work for stage (theatre, opera, music theatre, dance, spoken word, circus arts, socially engaged practice, live or performing art) to take part in a series of informal Zoom coffee mornings on Fridays throughout March and April.

MEET AND GREET sessions with our new Artistic Director Sophie Motley, for professional artists based or from Cork. For more info & to join: https://t.co/hHMrtBow9f
(& please re-tweet!) #Cork #CorkCity pic.twitter.com/Gaz4XKZcZV

— The Everyman (@EverymanCork) March 2, 2021

“This is the time when I’d usually be meeting you for a coffee in the bar, or for a pint after a show, where we could talk about the show we’ve just seen, about your work, and what your hopes and dreams are for your artistic future, and for The Everyman,” said Sophie.

“Because this isn’t possible, instead, throughout March and April, every Friday morning at 11am, we’re going to hold an online coffee morning. This is an opportunity for you to meet me, for me to meet you and put a name to a face, and to find out a little bit more about the work that you make.

“It’s not about pitching a new project, it’s not about auditioning, it’s literally just to say hi and have a bit of a chat about the arts scene in Cork, and your place in it.”

For more information and to sign up, visit everymancork.com/artist-development.