Seven Alumni of The Festival Academy — from Argentina, Colombia, Lebanon, Yemen, Sweden, the UK, Chile, and South Africa — joined the Festival Visit, organised by The Festival Academy together with Cali International Dance Biennial and PALCO, the Colombian Performing Arts Platform organised by the Ministry of Arts, Culture, and Knowledge of Colombia together with the Cali Biennial.

The programme offered international programmers a deep immersion into the richness of the Colombian dance scene, guided by a diverse and thoughtful curatorial proposal. It opened space for multiple voices and for dance practices that expand the body’s dimension within today’s contemporary context.

Cali is far more than the world’s salsa capital. It is a vibrant, plural city where cultures meet and dialogue: the Pacific, the Afro, the Indigenous, the Caribbean, the folkloric, the contemporary, the international… We witnessed the strength of its dance community and the powerful social impact of art and culture — not as a luxury, but as a need, as a right.

The Visit became a meaningful journey, connecting with the inspiring artists, organisers, and communities who shape and sustain the Biennial. Cali, with its seven rivers, lush nature, and warm, welcoming people, embraced the group of festival professionals fully. They left transformed, with their hearts full of gratitude and inspiration.

A special thank you to Juan Pablo López Otero, Artistic Director, and Adriana Olarte, PALCO Coordinator, for your warm hospitality.