Learn more about arts festivals in Europe and dig deeper in the rich cultural offer we have at our fingertips.
"Sounds of the Free Breeze" takes classical music outdoors, showing its positive impact on well-being and mental health. Supported by MusicAIRE, co-funded by the EU, it emphasizes the link between nature care and personal well-being.
The ART8 photographic team's exhibition at the Photopolis Agrinio Photo Festival depicted the transformative impact of human influence on the Acheloos estuary, exploring the landscape's contradictions and societal dimensions. Read the story to know more!
STROOM, a nomadic festival in the Scheldt Valley National Park, showcases 'River Bank Concerts' on a CO2-neutral sailing yacht between Antwerp and Ghent. Despite challenges in rebuilding and adapting to river water levels, the project promotes sustainability. Free concerts attracted a new audience, fostering social cohesion in the region. STROOM exemplifies a fusion of cultural enrichment, environmental responsibility, and social engagement.
In-Situ/City is an ongoing project that focuses on the city as an ever-changing collection of historical, cultural, political and social signifiers. For Gaudeamus 2022, four young makers were commissioned to create new work that reflects on this themes, with a special focus on the relationship between humans and non-humans and the environment.
The Thessalian Poetry Festival celebrates not only literary and artistic expressions but also the symbiotic relationship between its venues and nature. Over the years, the festival has grown organically, fostering a sense of community and sustainability, embodying the philosophy that poetry serves as a bridge between the ecological and communal aspects of life in Thessaly.
In 2023, GIAF introduced Green Ambassadors as part of its Volunteer Programme to promote best waste management practices, extend the single-use plastic ban, and increase recycling. Read the story to know more!
RZM festival went green with car-sharing, river-sourced non-drinking water, and eco-friendly infrastructure built from local wood and bamboo. Dry toilets with sawdust replaced chemical ones, minimising environmental impact. Read the story to know more about it!
i-Fest GREEN, situated in Pollino National Park, prioritises environmental consciousness through cinema and direct experiences. The festival, committed to leaving locations cleaner, engages youth with initiatives like i-Clean and adheres to the Plastic Free campaign. Activities include screenings, thematic meetings, and the use of electric cars for sustainable transportation.
'nTramenti festival aimed at promoting awareness, care, and respect for the environment, with a focus on marginalised areas in the Southern Italy hinterland. Read their insightful story to know more!
Earthink Festival marked its twelfth edition by adopting an itinerant format, symbolically mirroring the journey of waste from mountains to sea, fostering participation and awareness. Recognising the interconnectedness of environmental and general sustainability, the Earthink Festival pledged to pursue Agenda 2030 objectives. These include preserving natural heritage, promoting regional economic development, and supporting local entities dedicated to environmental protection.
EFFEA will open its third call for festivals to support emerging artists on 15 January. Time to work on your residency project and submit it before 19 March 2024.
The Ballarte Festival in the Aragonese Pyrenees emphasises humanity's connection with nature through eco-social activities. This year, the festival prioritised eco-friendly practices, including reducing CO2 impact in travel, minimising waste, and adopting exclusively vegetarian cuisine. The move sparked discussions about the environmental impact of the food industry, highlighting the festival's commitment to sustainability.