Zoom-in: International Day of Peace
EFFEA Stories: Cultivating and celebrating peace through arts
As we approach the International Day of Peace on 21 September, we are reminded of the many ways we can contribute to a more peaceful world – from education to the arts, social justice to environmental action. This year also marks the 25th anniversary of the United Nations’ Programme of Action on a Culture of Peace, reaffirming that peace is not merely the absence of conflict but a dynamic process built on dialogue, cooperation and understanding.
In this spirit, we highlight five stories from the European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists - EFFEA’s residency programme, each putting forward the power of partnerships and artistic collaboration across borders. EFFEA is an initiative of the European Festivals Association that offers emerging artists a platform to develop their international careers through festivals in multiple countries. EFFEA extends an open invitation for festivals to work across borders and create a network of colleagues with shared goals. It recognises that the future lies in the synergy of diverse perspectives and collective efforts. Through their artistic languages, emerging artists across Europe are using their voices to inspire change, bridge divides and highlight the importance of unity in today’s world. These stories below echo the core values of the Day of Peace: respect for life, human rights and cultural diversity.
EFFEA Story: The Ministers of Pastime
Hosted by Festival Jordi Savall in partnership with Cistermúsica - Alcobaça Music Festival and Amis de Fontfroide
This story is about sharing. A group of musicians spent five days of friendship, cooperation and discussion in a peaceful setting and around an invaluable common project: raising the profile of works by female composers from the baroque repertoire that have been forgotten by history.
Read the story and learn more about the residency.
EFFEA Story: Mavi Veloso
Hosted by FLAM - Festival for Live Art Amsterdam in partnership with BUZZCUT Festival & IPAF - International Queer Performance Festival.
This story is about diversity. A close-knit team worked tirelessly, bringing a committed project from its early stages all the way to the stage to celebrate the beauty of trans and non-binary identities—their struggles, resilience and empowerment. The residency allowed them to refine every detail while opening discussions with workshops, sharing energy and fostering a message of inclusivity and strength.
Read the story and learn more about the residency.
EFFEA Story: Alexandros Zilos & Ioanna Lykou
Hosted by Little Islands Festival in partnership with Foça Film Days & Travel Fest Albania
This story is about connection. Two artists explored storytelling, memory and the power of narrative to unite communities. During the residency, they engaged with local citizens, students and artists, weaving together human experiences that evoke emotion and spark reflection. Their project is a celebration of cultural memory and collective storytelling, aiming to bridge gaps between individuals and communities.
Read the story and learn more about the residency
Credits : Alexandros Zilos - Little Islands Festival
EFFEA Story: Sabir Project
Hosted by Tolfama – International Festival of Improvised Arts in partnership with Improvizza! Malta Improv Festival & Mahdia Improvise.
This story is about interculturality. Fifteen improvisers from eight Mediterranean countries explore the power of improvisation as a tool for intercultural dialogue. The artists used theatre to break down barriers, highlighting the shared history and diverse cultures of the Mediterranean. Their improvised show celebrated inclusion and empathy through spontaneous storytelling, creating connections that transcend language and borders.
Read the story and learn more about the residency.
EFFEA Story: Dávid Somló
Hosted by PLACCC Festival in partnership with Sofia Underground International Performance Art Festival, 4 + 4 Days in Motion & Movement, Physical and Dance Theatre International Festival.
This story is about awareness. Twenty-five hidden speakers transform public parks into immersive soundscape experiences inviting passersby to engage in a unique sonic meditation. Dávid Somló tells us about the different and unexpected interactions with the work - some in wonder, others in surprise, but all connected by a shared auditory experience. Whether through quiet reflection or unexpected moments, the installation revealed how sound can bridge gaps and create a communal space for listening and understanding.
Read the story and learn more about the residency
Credits : In Budapest - Barnabás Neogrády-Kiss
Related festivals
- IV Festival Jordi Savall
- Cistermúsica - Alcobaça Music Festival
- BUZZCUT Festival
- IPAF (Summer Satelite)
- Little Islands Festival 2024
- Foça International Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Documentary Film Festival
- 3rd edition of Travel Fest
- Tolfama – International Festival of Improvised Arts
- Improvizza! 2024
- Mahdia Improvise
- PLACCC Festival
- 4 + 4 Days in Motion
- Sofia Underground International Performance Art Festival
- Movement, Physical and Dance Theatre International Festival
