How do we make networks work?

Networking Discussion Report Synopsis: This report captures a rich conversation about how to sustain the creative spirit, connection, and momentum of Devoted & Disgruntled and similar collaborative projects beyond in-person events. It explores the potential of creating an online, asynchronous community—possibly through Mighty Networks—that mirrors the openness and responsiveness of Open Space. The report outlines key themes, practical next steps, and resonant insights from participants, with a f

Questions that emerged

“Can a Network Hold the Spirit of a Rehearsal Room?”
Exploring how to sustain creativity, care, and collaboration beyond the stage.

“From Events to Ecosystems: Rethinking Connection in the Arts”
Why it’s time to build networks that grow organically and live asynchronously.

“Not Another WhatsApp Group: Imagining a Different Kind of Artistic Community”
Creating a space for resonance, not noise—for story, not status updates.

Main Themes

Sustaining Spirit and Practice Beyond the Room

Once a show or event is running, the original spirit (improvisation, learning, check-ins) often fades. Maintaining that spirit, especially over long runs like My Neighbour Totoro, requires new structures for ongoing engagement.

Nature of Networks vs. Communities

Networks are often career-driven and practical, while communities are driven by shared values, support, and lived experience.

The Role of Technology: Mighty Networks & Other Platforms

Mighty Networks is proposed as a low-pressure, asynchronous platform to extend Open Space dynamics. Fatigue with Facebook/WhatsApp-style platforms is noted.

Asynchronous Engagement and Longevity

Successful networks are seeded with early contributors and function without needing to be lively all the time. Asynchronous participation is key.

Small, Specific, and Needs-Based Groups Work Better

Niche identity- or experience-based communities maintain longevity better than general networks.

Rituals, Rhythms, and Soft Infrastructure

Weekly rituals like ‘Making Mondays’ or check-ins help preserve light ongoing connection with minimal effort.

Need for Holding Spaces Between Big Events

There is a need for a soft landing space after intense in-person events like D&D—somewhere to hold and re-ignite conversations.

Ensuing Actions

Pilot a Mighty Networks space for D&D, seeded with early contributors to set tone and culture.

Include light-touch rituals (e.g., weekly check-ins, Zoom writing sessions).

Track story development post-D&D events to maintain longitudinal connection.

Establish a clear ethos: okay to ask, okay to lurk, okay to leave.

Frame the initiative as an experiment—time-boxed and failure-tolerant.

Estimate and potentially cover hosting cost (~£35/month) via Improbable.

Surprising or Resonant Ideas Not to Forget

Asynchronous networks are like underground rivers—visible when needed, dormant otherwise.

Resonance, not circumstance, forms the strongest communities.

The network is there already—just needs an outcropping.

Don’t dig up graveyards—let failed networks go.

A non-algorithmic, intentional digital space could mirror Open Space principles.

Emergency D&D: network could activate in times of sectoral crisis.

Guestbook model: allow people to register presence without needing to post.

Conclusion

This conversation brings together a diverse and thoughtful exchange on how to extend the creative, collaborative, and improvisational energy of projects like Devoted & Disgruntled and My Neighbour Totoro beyond the rehearsal room and annual gatherings. At its heart is an exploration of how online platforms—particularly Mighty Networks—might support an ongoing, asynchronous practice space that reflects the ethos of Open Space: participatory, responsive, and lightly held. What emerges is a vision for a network that is not rigid or top-down, but experimental and self-organising—one that supports connection through shared values rather than mere affiliation, and makes space for story, inquiry, and mutual care. This is not about building another digital platform for networking, but about cultivating a living system that can hold complexity, foster creative momentum, and remain alive between the peaks of in-person engagement.

Via Paul Levy/AI/Harrison Owen

Here's how Harrison Owen might respond, in his voice and spirit:

“Ah… Mighty Networks. Another platform. Another structure. Another form of architecture. And that’s all fine, really—provided we remember: it’s not about the platform. It’s about the people.

Now, if this proposed network becomes a living, breathing invitation—a space where the passion-bound butterflies of conversation are free to land, take off, and transform—then yes. By all means, create it.

But beware of boxes, categories, and neat little tabs that promise connection but deliver control. Open Space lives in the unexpected. It thrives in the circle, the chaos, the coffee break. If Mighty Networks can hold that? Beautiful. If it can whisper the Four Principles and the One Law? Even better.

Ask yourself:

Will people feel invited, not just included?

Will the space allow for emergence—not just discussion threads?

Can it host silence as comfortably as noise?

If the answer is yes—or even maybe—then the Law of Two Feet applies. Let those who care, come. Let those who must, leave. And trust that whatever happens is the only thing that could have.

And remember: the community is not the platform. It’s the space between.

Carry on.

—“Harrison”