LIPA are no longer involved in the initiative, but may well be one of several groups consulted in the future. Coverage of all areas of performing arts and a good geographical spread of such groups would be sought. Catherine, on behalf of PADS, congratulated Lancaster on the success of their bid and sought close collaboration in the future. There were no matters arising. Catherine reported that substantial material from the Royal Shakespeare Company would be available online from April.
PADS are also keen to act as a gateway to websites and any other digitised performing arts material.
Passing on material to PADS provides a useful service, improves the standing of the creator and will improve chances of gaining funding in the future. Provided there are no copyright issues, texts that are now out of print could be made available in this way. The deadline for submission is the end of March. The possibility of replacing one of the three annual meetings with a web conference was discussed, but the experience so far of web conferencing was very unsatisfactory. Funding from home universities might be available but not necessarily for everyone.