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FestFlash "EFA 60 Years On": EFA Jubilee programme highlights at a glance

29 May 2012

In two days, the EFA Jubilee "60 Years On: Festivals and the World" takes place in Bergen, Norway: the European Festivals Association (EFA) is looking forward to meeting 180 representatives of festivals, sister festival associations, cultural networks, policy and media from 46 countries to celebrate together the Diamond Jubilee. 23 May: Opening Gala with speeches, reception, book launch and opera The Opening Gala of the EFA Jubilee (dress code: formal) takes place at 17.00 at the Peer Gynt Foyer Grieghallen. We will be welcomed by Åse Kleveland, Bergen International Festival, and EFA President Darko Brlek. Michael Haefliger, Lucerne Festival, will give the keynote speech on behalf of 15 founding members of EFA. The EFA Jubilee Publication “60 Years On” will be launched. From 18.45-22.30, participants will enjoy the opening of the Bergen International Festival with Händel’s Xerxes (Komische Oper, Berlin) directed by Stefan Herheim. The evening will close with a reception at 22.30. After the reception, participants can gather at the Festival Cafe in the Logen Bar (city centre); the festival bar will be open every night. 180 participants from 46 countries We are proud to welcome almost 180 participants. EFA members are joined by representatives of festivals, cultural networks, EFA sister festival networks from around the world as well as political decision-makers. EFA Jubilee publication to be launched, many authors present EFA will release its Jubilee publication and first film entitled “60 Years On: Festivals and the World”. Eminent festival directors speak about what EFA has meant, means now and can mean for citizens, Europe and the world: Franco Bianchini, Jan Briers, Darko Brlek, Hugo De Greef, Frans de Ruiter, Kathrin Deventer, Jelle Dierickx, Bernard Foccroulle, Enrique Gamez, Ching-Lee Goh, Marie Gouy, Gavin Henderson, Henk Heuvelmans, Peter Inkei, Nora Joumblatt, Gintautas Kevisas, Tamás Klenjánszky, Salvatore Marra, Manuel Martin, Christopher Maughan, Jonathan Mills, Piñeiro Nagy, Dusan Sidjanski, Jacqueline Steels, Galin Stoev, Ary Sutedja, Yossi Tal-Gan, Daniël Termont, Mike Van Graan and Biljana Zdravkovic. Out of the 30 authors, 19 will be present in Bergen to talk about their experiences. EFA Film to be released: a mosaic of festivals in Europe and the world Being at once insightful, atmospheric and informative, the first EFA film “60 Years On” captures the mosaic of festivals and activities which characterise the Association. Thanks to the contributions of EFA members and the words of personalities from within and close to EFA, this film has become very insightful, atmospheric, and informative. We are honoured about the contributions of Ennio Morricone, a composition by André Feldhaus, of politicians of different levels, and of EFA friends. What if... we were turning the tables “Turning the Tables” on 24 May at 9.30 is a special contribution by Mike van Graan, Playwright, Outgoing Secretary General Arterial Network, and Xavier Troussard, Head of Unit European Commission. They will reflect on the relation between arts and politics and the need for constant redefinition of policies according to the artistic practice. Highlight of the celebrations: the Jubilee Banquette In the evening of 24 May, the EFA Jubilee Banquette will form one of the festive highlights of the Jubilee. We take the Fløibanen Funicular to arrive in the Fløyen Folkerestaurant on top of Fløyen mountain – where you will enjoy a great view over the city. A special celebration highlight is awaiting you! Jubilee concluded with boat trip and surprise On 25 May at 16.00, a boat trip leaving from Bergen harbour will bring us out on the fjords surrounding Bergen. The Bergen Agenda will be handed over to Granada 2013 and the public while we enjoy a culinary treat: wine from the Rheingau Musik Festival and the Mosel Musikfestival, as well as local delicacies provided by the Festival Internacional de Santander. Simon Mundy, Poet, Guro Rimeslåtten, Yaniv Cohen (Carte Blanche), introduced by Jelle Meander, poet, will surprise us. Latest news can be followed in the media section of the Jubilee website at www.efa-aef.eu/efa60. Congratulations and video messages are published regularly. Keep an eye!