Programme
The programme is addressed at emerging festival managers or those who have ambitions to get involved in programming in festivals. Participants broaden their programming skills, widen their horizons, and develop new project ideas under the professional guidance of renowned festival managers from all over the world who share their rich experience and guide participants throughout the 7 days. The Atelier focuses on the very essence of festival management – the arts, the artist and the audience.
The Atelier is about the participants!
25 participants attended the Atelier in Johannesburg. The programme was focused on the topics and issues raised by the participants which were further developed and elaborated during the Atelier. These topics were examined in panel discussions guided by renowned festival leaders from across the globe, but also in small working groups, thematic lunches, cross-discipline round tables and plenary sessions. Participants were able to share and exchange their experiences and reflect on their topics. Mentors shared their rich experience and answer participants’ questions along the way. There was also space for more informal one-to-one talks during meals and cultural visits. The sharing of experiences on an equal footing and networking are key to the Atelier.
You can check the programme here.
“There is a lot of power in human connection and we shouldn't ignore the wealth of knowledge that comes from the people around us.” Some of us are to serve the human soul" and this is a powerful responsibility that should be used wisely.” Dominique Soma, participant of the Atelier
Variety of issues and diverse session formats
The Atelier creates opportunities for festival managers to reflect on the true mission of festivals and on their role in a globalised, fast and result-oriented world, and to network with their colleagues world-wide. For the next generation of festival managers it represents an outstanding occasion to imagine innovative, pioneering, and creative projects and festival formulae.
Themes discussed include:
- The artistic aspects of
festival management, including artistic vision, political and social
responsibility in relation to the cultural and artistic significance of a
festival in its community or region, as well as internationalisation, inclusiveness,
renewal and sustainability.
- Instruments such as
communication, production or financing as far as they are relevant for the
implementation of the artistic programme.
- Festivals as agents of change
- Audience development
- Curating and programming
- Global exchange and
international collaboration
WHAT..
- is the role of
internationalisation in a festival’s work?
- is the role of festivals in
creating global citizenship, intercultural dialogue, participation and access
to culture?
- are new models of
collaboration in a globalising world?
- is the role of festivals as
platforms for creation and innovation?
- are the risks of programming
and how can we manage them?
- role do/should/can festivals
play in promoting diversity?
- does “sustainability” in the
context of Festivals actually mean?
HOW..
- can we articulate, develop and
realise an artistic programme?
- important is the contact with
artists? To what extent do the selected artists have an impact on the identity
of the festival?
- can we ensure artistic
autonomy in altered situations and under pressure?
- can we recognise and
contribute to the development of successful projects and talents?
- is rising nationalism
affecting festivals?
- is diversity linked to
mobility, to class? In the context of festival audiences
- can
festivals be diverse/inclusive and sustainable?
- can festivals contribute to social/economic change?
