Autumn Biennale

Biennale d’Automne en Normandie is the continuation and expansion of ACEAC’s Festival Émergence, itself developed from the Journées Émergence Chorégraphique (JEC). The 2027 edition will mark the third edition of this festival project and a new stage in its development, with an extended programme taking place across Normandy between September and November.

Organised by ACEAC - Association pour la Création et l’Émergence dans les Arts Chorégraphiques - the festival is dedicated to emerging contemporary dance, performance and transdisciplinary artistic practices. It grew out of ACEAC’s long-term work supporting young artists through incubation, residencies, professional development, individual mentoring and opportunities for public presentation. Since 2023, ACEAC has developed programmes supporting artists graduating from higher arts education institutions across France and helping them move from training towards professional artistic careers. The festival was created from a simple observation: emerging artists need spaces where their first works can be seen, discussed and connected with audiences and professionals. 

The Biennale continues this mission while significantly expanding its territorial, professional and international dimensions. Based primarily in Rouen and extending to other cities and territories across Normandy, the 2027 edition will bring together first works, established and emerging French artists, international projects, professional encounters and activities for young audiences. The festival will take place in a variety of settings, including theatres, museums, contemporary art centres, heritage sites, gardens and other non-conventional spaces. This diversity of venues is an integral part of the project, creating new relationships between artistic works, audiences and the territories in which they are presented. International cooperation will be a central dimension of the 2027 edition. 

The Biennale is developing collaborations with artists and partners from Denmark, Germany, Quebec and Switzerland, with the aim of supporting artistic mobility, encouraging long-term cooperation between organisations and creating new opportunities for emerging artists to circulate internationally. Professional development is also at the core of the festival. Around 50 programmers, venue directors and representatives of cultural networks are expected to attend the 2027 edition. Their presence is intended to create concrete opportunities for touring, future residencies, artistic collaborations and longer-term relationships between artists and presenting organisations.

The Biennale also places strong emphasis on audience development and cultural education. Approximately 1,500 school pupils are expected to take part in dedicated performances and mediation activities, alongside a wider programme designed to make contemporary dance accessible to both regular and first-time audiences. Through this combination of artistic presentation, professional exchange, international cooperation and audience engagement, Biennale d’Automne en Normandie aims to become a lasting platform for emerging contemporary dance and performance in Normandy, while connecting a new generation of artists with audiences and professional networks across Europe and internationally.