The Festival Academy, an initiative of the European Festivals Association (EFA), invites young festival leaders and curators from around the world to apply for the 25th edition of the Atelier for Young Festival Managers, taking place from 20–26 November 2025 in Chemnitz, Germany.
By Creatives Unite CommunityApplication Deadline: January 31, 2025
Event Dates: November 20–26, 2025
Location: Chemnitz, Germany
Organiser: The Festival Academy, European Festivals Association (EFA)
Who is it for: Emerging festival managers, curators, and cultural professionals from around the world
Register here.
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About the Atelier Chemnitz 2025
The Atelier for Young Festival Managers is a seven-day capacity-building program designed for festival curators and managers seeking to enhance their skills, exchange best practices, and learn from renowned cultural leaders, cross-sector experts, and artists. This immersive experience facilitates a global dialogue on the challenges of contemporary festivals and explores the transformative role of art and culture in addressing these issues.
Participants will have the opportunity to:
- Engage in in-depth discussions on festival management, artistic vision, and global challenges.
- Learn from experienced festival leaders and cultural activists.
- Build an international network of peers and mentors.
- Explore the sociopolitical and cultural context of Chemnitz and its surrounding region.
- Connect with local festivals, artists, and cultural professionals.
Why Chemnitz?
Chemnitz, located in the German state of Saxony, is a city with a rich cultural and industrial heritage. As the European Capital of Culture 2025, Chemnitz embraces the motto “C the Unseen,” which seeks to uncover and showcase overlooked people, places, and activities. Participants in the Atelier will experience firsthand the vibrant cultural programming and active community engagement that define the city’s ECoC initiative.
Who Can Apply?
The Atelier is open to emerging festival curators and managers, regardless of age, gender, or nationality.
Course fee €2.400 (Reduced course fee for EFA member festivals: €1.900) includes:
- Accommodation for seven nights
- Registration
- Working documents
- Access to all sessions
- Meals and drinks
- Receptions
- Local transport to activities within the programme
- Cultural and artistic programme
- Follow–up activities
For more details please check Festival Academy's official website and open call guidelines document.
