Atelier NEXT 2019

The 16th edition of the Atelier for Young Festivals Managers was closed on 19th November with an inspiring speech on leadership and hope by Mike van Graan, Atelier facilitator and Founding President African Cultural Policy Network: 

"One final thought on hope, on optimism and leadership: You have no right, nor reason, to hope for a better world, unless you are making it so."

The Atelier took place in the Eurometropolis region of Lille-Kortrijk-Tournai and Valenciennes (BE/FR), organised in partnership with the International Arts Festival NEXT and brought together 35 passionate festival makers, mentors and guest speakers from across the globe for 7 intense days. 

The engagement, openness and curiosity of all individuals present - participants, guest speakers and mentors alike - contributed highly to the global conversation on the role of festivals as tools to contribute to social changes, democracy and inclusiveness that The Festival Academy wishes to enable today and in the future. 

One of the participants on the Atelier: 

The Atelier is a life changing opportunity shaped by the people I have met, the friendship I have built and the sense of community we have created. 

Have a look at Inge Ceustermans' opening speech and on her closing reflections.

And don't forget to read some inspiring thoughts on the Atelier shared by one of our participants here.

More about the 7 days can be found on The Festival Academy's website, Facebook page and Instagram! 

The calls for application for the 2020 activities Digital (R)Evolution (22 – 25 January, Antwerp), Atelier Dusseldorf 2020 (23-29 May) and Atelier Kampala 2020 (14-20 August 2020)  are open until 30 November, apply now!

The Atelier Next 2019 is part of the EFA RISE project implemented with the support of the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union.

Watch the Aftermovie of the Atelier Valletta and have a taste of what the experience of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers was like for both participants and mentors!