130 delegates, from 27 countries on four continents, representing 60 arts festivals join for four working and networking days in Antalya/Turkey. This year’s theme: "Festivals in a Globalizing World - Challenges of international cultural cooperation". Festival representatives and guests from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the US gather at the Turkish coast to discuss challenges, opportunities and obstacles of international cooperation in the festival world. From 24 – 27 April, the Aspendos International Opera & Ballet Festival hosts the EFA General Assembly and Conference 2008. “To be in Antalya in Turkey is of course a very special situation: being in a candidate country to the EU in the first place, but also a country bridging two continents, a country challenging cultural identities and values Turkey/ Antalya is giving a stimulating platform to reflect on the challenges for culture and the arts brought by globalization”, as Hugo De Greef, EFA Secretary General, explains the choice of this year’s theme. Next to the host, also the Istanbul International Music Festival, the International Ankara Music Festival, the International Izmir Festival and the Mersin International Music Festival will represent Turkey. Following the conference on Friday, 25 April, delegates sign the Arts Festivals Declaration on Intercultural Dialogue in the Ataturk Cultural Centre. A press conference will present the Declaration as well as the release of EFA BOOKS 2 ‘Give, Get or Get off! Challenges of Cultural Networking Today’. Furthermore, important formal decisions will be taken including the election of two EFA vice presidents and a new EFA Board. President Darko Brlek will also announce the new Secretary General following Hugo De Greef in his successful four-year mandate at the EFA Secretariat. The General Assembly and conference is always an important moment for festival representatives who have the opportunity to meet and share ideas, experiences and contacts. A thrilling cultural programme with gala concerts of the Antalya State Symphony Orchestra, opera and ballet at the Antalya Opera House as well as visits of Antalya's historical and cultural attractions makes the conference a joyous time for all delegates.