Tuesday, 25 October, was the first full “working” day of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers in Izmir and it was an intense and typical Atelier-day. The participants are still learning each other’s names – and learning how to pronounce all of these names from different continents and cultures. The first name-learning moment was the object session: participants introduced themselves with objects they had brought from their home countries, festivals or their personal life. These objects were for example a little jar of tiger balm (important travel item) or pears (symbol of family history). One participant, who is especially fascinated with dance, presented her body as the most characteristic object for herself. There were smiles of recognition when participants showed their notebooks, iPhones and festival CDs. Although the participants come from distant locations, they have more in common than they think. Then, the presentations of the Atelier papers began which participants had prepared in the run-up of the Atelier to discuss their project ideas. In only a few minutes every participant summarised her/his paper (of 38 participants, only nine are men) and introduced individual festivals, problems and possible solutions to the group. The presentations provoked many replies including everything from sympathy to critique, but also many recommendations and tips. There remains much to discuss! After Mrs Rose Fenton’s presentation on her experiences with LIFT, the London International Festival of Theatre, participants went on to sessions in small groups to find topics and questions to discuss throughout the week with mentors and presenters. The evening was spent in the hall of the Izmir National Opera, a former movie theatre that now has a diverse opera programme and traditional wall paintings. Mrs Ching-Lee Goh and Mrs Nele Hertling gave their presentations here and received much nodding from the audience – their topics from diverse settings as Singapore and Berlin were appreciated and understood by the Atelier participants. Ching-Lee has put her mark on South East Asia during one decade, and Nele Hertling continues to inspire a younger generation with her vast experiences. “Festivals should feel encouraged to be critical, even provocative,” Ching-Lee urged the Atelier participants. These presentations are sure to have sparked many “aha moments” as well as many discussions during the following dinner in the lobby of the Opera and throughout the coming days. For further information please visit the Atelier website or contact EFA at atelier@efa-aef.eu. More photos at the Photo Gallery. Related news: • Atelier News #7: End of the week, new beginning! • Atelier News #6: To the roots of civilizations • Atelier News #5: Journey through the festivals of the world • Atelier News #4: Discussing co-productions and meeting the artist • Atelier News #3: Experienced festival directors disclose their strategies and driving forces • Atelier News #1: Inspiring start for the 4th Atelier for Young Festival Managers