In this episode of the EFAcast, Simon Mundy meets Sjoerd Bootsma, Artistic Director of Arcadia, and Hein Kuiken, Alderman of Culture of the Municipality of Leeuwarden.

The EFFE Seal for Festival Cities and Regions is a recognition and an invitation to cities and regions that wish to associate and integrate their development and image with a strong festival, cultural - and European - commitment.

The next edition of Arcadia will run from 10 May to 15 August 2025.

The city of Leeuwarden has hosted many festivals and blockbuster-events, from the Giants of Royal de Luxe and the fire masters of Compagnie Carabosse to the open-air spectacle of Theater Tol: Tolworld. Awarded European Capital of Culture 2018, Leeuwarden retains a strong identity, including its own language and heritage. This is reflected in the many cultural festivals the city is hosting, as Arcadia for example. Read more about Leeuwarden.

Arcadia is a 100-day arts festival in the province of Frisland, featuring Dutch and international artists. Arcadia stimulates all senses with theatre, dance, song, photography, visual arts, literature, and poetry, besides accompanying lectures, discussions, and walks. Arcadia returns every three years, challenging their audience to think about “the future of mienskip – our landscape and heritage”. Read more about Arcadia.