Sunday, 30 October 2011, draw the Atelier for Young Festival Managers IZMIR 2011 to a close. After a morning of exploring the city of İzmir, the participants gathered in the meeting room of the İKSEV for one last afternoon of work. In small groups, they investigated further into topics and issues of their concern: audience and programme development as well as innovative ideas for festivals. Jonathan Mills, Robyn Archer and Nele Hertling each joined a group to take part in the in-depth discussions. Everyone shared his/her evaluation of the week and what they gained from the Atelier, proving the Atelier to be an extremely positive experience and an initiative that needs to be continued: • “I feel inspired, exited about festivals again!” • “I see my festival in a new perspective.” • “I am going home with a long list of ideas I hope to implement to refresh my festival’s programme.” • “The Atelier allows to take time to think and reflect about what we are doing and why we are doing it, and this is invaluable.” • “The Atelier reminded me how much I like the feeling of being an artistic director.” • “Because it brought us all together and made us share experiences and ideas, because it gives birth to a new network, the Atelier has to continue!” İKSEV welcomed the Atelier group to the historical Alsancak Coal Gas Factory for the closing session. The old Gas Factory, built 150 years ago, is now one of the most important cultural and art venues of the city. After a few words from Hugo De Greef, Robyn Archer, Nele Hertling and Jonathan Mills on their Atelier IZMIR 2011 experience, participants received their certificates and enjoyed yet another extensive dinner buffet. A mini-festival closed this intense week of encounters: poems were recited, songs were sung, dances were danced and birthdays were celebrated. Farewells, contacts and plans for future meetings were made before going for a night out in the city. 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 #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 #2: Second Atelier day sparking many “aha moments” • Atelier News #1: Inspiring start for the 4th Atelier for Young Festival Managers