The Atelier was hosted by the Varna Summer International Music Festival. Varna Summer International Music Festival, founded in 1926, is one of the oldest festivals in Europe. It has won international recognition and is a prestigious forum for Bulgarian and world classical music and performing art. The programme includes symphony concerts, opera, ballet, chamber music, early and contemporary music, masterclasses and conferences. The annual festival supports young talent and promotes new works and collaborations between local and international performers and artists.

With common borders with Romania, Serbia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia, Greece and Turkey and closely linked to Russia, Ukraine, and Georgia sea, the Bulgarian summer resort of Varna offered an inspiring framework for Atelier participants to reflect on the place of festivals, arts and culture in society.