International Izmir Festival is proud to be a member of the European Festivals Association, which brings together one hundred festivals and festival associations from forty countries. The International Izmir Festival, first organised in 1987 by the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education, a pioneer in the cultural and artistic life of Izmir, one of the oldest cities in the world with a history dating back ten thousand years, has been the most extensive art event in the city ever since. The Izmir Festival, which brings historical venues to life with art and raises the art appreciation of the city that gives its name to the festival and enables new art audiences to be raised, has been continuing uninterruptedly for 37 years, except for one year during the pandemic period.

The festival has been using historical venues to host the world's most famous artists since the first edition and this year will be no exception. From 7 June to 26 July 2024, let yourself be transported by music concerts and dance performances like no other. Have a look at the full programme here.

Festivals bring people and countries together without any discrimination. The common ground is art. Festivals unite audiences and artists in an atmosphere of friendship and peace. With this awareness, the International Izmir Festival has made an application to the European Festivals Association, which contributes to the artistic life of Europe, unites and represents its member festivals throughout Europe and the world, and has been accepted as a member.

Believing in the importance of cross-border cultural cooperation, the International Izmir Festival, which has been in cultural and artistic cooperation for years with many European countries (such as France, Germany, Italy, Portugal, Poland), especially Greece, with which our country shares the same sea, has also expanded its cooperation boundaries as a member of EFA. Filiz Eczacıbaşı Sarper, President of IKSEV and General Artistic Director of the International Izmir Festival, has served EFA for many years, first as a board member and then as Vice President.

The International Izmir Festival is one of the primary objectives of the Izmir Foundation for Culture, Arts and Education. IKSEV has been organising the Izmir European Jazz Festivals for 31 years. Moreover, IKSEV has a museum where it has been exhibiting 320 instruments since 2011, which are used in the Turkic World of Central Asia and Anatolia and still in use today, two halls offering hall and stage facilities for young people, piano practice rooms and dance studios that young artists can use free of charge. IKSEV also organises workshops and masterclasses throughout the year, giving many young artists who cannot travel abroad the chance to study with esteemed masters. The Dr. Nejat F. Eczacibasi National Composition Contest, which has been held every two years since 1996, has enabled the writing of approximately 200 new works to date. The Jazz Poster competitions, organised annually among young graphic designers, provide an opportunity for young people to be recognised on an international level.

The International Izmir Festival understands the mission of the EFA, believes in the benefits provided by the association, and is proud to take part in the work carried out to make its voice heard and to hear the voices of European festivals.