EFA Jubilee: 23-25 May 2012, Bergen/Norway

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of the European Festivals Association (EFA), the EFA Jubilee in Bergen, Norway, took place from 23-25 May 2012, hosted and co-organised by the Bergen International Festival. It brought together EFA members, festivals worldwide, partner networks, friends and colleagues from the wider cultural and professional community. We celebrated and reflected on the future role, challenges and responsibility of arts festivals in Europe and the world.

EFA’s members represent some of the most renowned names in the cultural sector. Paradoxically this leaves them challenged on two counts. Many festivals and arts organisations that are less well financed see major arts festivals as well-fed, elitist and complacent, while politicians and officials assume that the big old classical music festivals are safe institutions that can be taken for granted – and can withstand a little trimming.

In this atmosphere the 60th anniversary of EFA is a great opportunity to pause and draw attention to the contribution the big old classical music festivals in each country make, not just individually, but to the general health of the arts, the values, economies and image of Europe.

The Jubilee aims to adopt the Bergen Agenda setting the tone, framework and programme for the coming decade.