Tomorrow the 15th edition of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers is going to kick off in Valletta, Malta where 34 young festival makers from 20 different nationalities and all continents will meet up together with experienced festival leaders, cultural activists and artists to critically reflect for 7 days on the role of festivals in today’s world. Next to different approaches and models of artistic programming, topics such as engaging with migrant communities, accessibility and inclusivity, sustainability, political and social responsibility and more equal global collaborations are high on our agenda, all connecting to the context and local arts scene where the Atelier takes place.

The Atelier will officially start with an opening ceremony accompanied by Albert Marshal (Executive Chairmanof Arts Council Malta), Anabelle Stivala (Director of Festivals Malta), Inge Ceustermans (Managing Director of The Festival Academy) and a keynote speech by Shahidul Alam’s The Time Magazine’s Person of the Year 2018, award-winning photographer, teacher, writer and human right activist taking place in the historic is-Suq tal-Belt, before diving into an intense programme with panel discussions, thematic lunches, round tables, plenary sessions, performances and various cultural trips around Malta and neighbouring island Gozo. 

Keep an eye out on our Facebook page, or click here for more updates to come from the Atelier.