In the framework of the partnership between The Arab Fund for Arts & Culture (AFAC) and The Festival Academy (an initiative of the European Festivals Association) to give more festival managers from the Arab region the chance to participate in the Ateliers for Young Festival Managers, AFAC will support - for the third time - two emerging festival directors working in the Arab region to take part in the 16th edition of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers. The latter will take place in Eurometropolis Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai + Valenciennes (BE/FR) and is organised in partnership with - and during the International Arts Festival NEXT between 13 and 19 November 2019.

The intense seven-day training focuses on the topics and issues raised by the participants: all passionate and dynamic festival makers who are willing to exchange, meet and create with fellow colleagues. Throughout the seven days, the selected participants will be guided by and exchange with renowned festival directors, cultural managers, activists and artists, during the plenary sessions, working groups, thematic lunches and informal moments of the programme. Together with a set of guest speakers, they will share experiences and best practices on topics developed during the exchanges with the 35 participants, within the context of the cross-border Next Festival.

Having a global and inclusive conversation about today’s challenges for festivals and festival makers, creating a network on an equal footing of professionals from around the world are key to the Atelier. Read more about the training through Alumni’s testimonies.

The Atelier applications are open until 21 April and you can apply here!