Atelier Aqaba & Amman 2025

The 24th edition of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers took place from 21-27 September 2025 in Amman, Jordan, organised in partnership with Studio 8, IDEA – International Dance Encounter Amman & WUJŪD, in collaboration with The National Centre for Culture & Arts (NCCA) and the British Council Jordan, and with the support of Drosos Foundation. 

31 emerging festival leaders coming from 26 different countries -Afghanistan, Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Egypt, Germany, Greece, Iraq, Jordan, Kurdistan, Lebanon, Morocco, Netherlands, Pakistan, Palestine, Philippines, South Africa, South Korea, Syria, Tunisia, Turkey, United Kingdom, United States and Yemen-  gathered for an intense 7-day programme to critically reflect on the role of festivals in today’s world. 

The Atelier was about innovating leadership, gaining new perspectives, exploring the essence and impact of festivals in a global context, share and exchange experiences and reflect on the topics that concerned the participants.

The Atelier started from the very essence of festivals –the arts, the artist and the audience– and all issues tackled during the training and in one way or another related to this essence: why we do things, for whom and with whom.

We explored how festivals embody the possibility for creating opportunities for change through culture. Mentors and guest speakers went beyond their role as lecturers and acted as true mentors who provide insightful feedback regarding the participant’s current professional stage. They also shared their experiences and showcased how success and failure can incite growth.

Watch the aftermovies from our Ateliers to find out what they are all about!