Atelier News #3: Experienced festival directors disclose their strategies and driving forces

Wednesday, October 26, Izmir. Views of the enormous container ships passing through Izmir, presentations underlined by the sound of the muezzins calling believers to prayer and delicious local food for breakfast, lunch, coffee break and dinner – the running edition of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers is truly taking place in Izmir and in Turkey. Today, the Atelier-morning was defined by two different but equally inspiring presentations by Mrs Robyn Archer from Canberra, Australia and Mrs Fruzsina Szép from Budapest, Hungary. Both experienced women disclose their professional lives, sharing the strategies, ideas and partnerships they are proud of, but also their misperceptions and the decisions they may have taken too quickly. In the afternoon, the last group of participants presented their Atelier papers, again receiving attentive remarks and questions. It is refreshing to see how the group speaks openly and honestly about successes and failures, making the Atelier a sincere and unique learning experience. Introducing the Atelier even further to Izmir and its history, the evening session was spent in the reading room of Izmir National Library, in the very heart of historic Izmir. Michał Merczyński (Director of the National Audiovisual Institute in Warsaw, Poland) not only gave an overview of his latest big project, the European Culture Congress in Wroclaw, but also explained his principles he bases his festivals on. One such principle is: “The one thing we know for sure is that we know nothing for sure.” Dinner was enjoyed with spectacular views of the city. During a boat trip, the group enjoyed Turkish wine and food while gently swaying in the waves of the Gulf of Izmir and already getting curious about what’s going to happen on day four of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers in Izmir. For further information please visit the Atelier website or contact EFA at atelier@efa-aef.eu. More photos at the Photo Gallery. Related news: • Atelier News #7: End of the week, new beginning! • Atelier News #6: To the roots of civilizations • Atelier News #5: Journey through the festivals of the world • Atelier News #4: Discussing co-productions and meeting the artist • Atelier News #2: Second Atelier day sparking many “aha moments” • Atelier News #1: Inspiring start for the 4th Atelier for Young Festival Managers