This year, the Varna Summer Festival is turning 100, and to celebrate this milestone, it will host the
EFA Denis de Rougemont Forum, organized by the European Festivals Association from 4 to 6
September 2026.
https://www.european-festivals.eu/events/denis-de-rougemont-forum-in-varna
Working together means connecting, getting to know each other, sharing time, ideas and tapping
into each other’s energies. Ideas, proposals, needs, and opportunities arise when we stick our heads
together. EFA invites art festival programmer, particularly those working in the field of music in the
region and internationally, and anyone who wishes to explore ways to strengthen collaboration with
the arts scene in the Western Balkan countries, to join EFA Denis de Rougement Forum for two days
of conversation and exchange between 4 and 6 September 2026.
Together, we will reflect on identity and national heritage, while exploring regional and European
perspectives and open the discussion regarding the importance of programming of emerging artists
and the risk as well we the benefits of programming unknown names. The open roundtables will also
provide a platform for new ideas and concrete next steps, fostering cross-border cooperation and
networking. In addition, we will explore the opportunities for cross-border cooperation and the
responsibility of programmers and throw light on challenges, concrete examples, best practices, and
funding opportunities.
About Denis de Rougemont Forum
The Denis de Rougement Forum is a collaborative platform to bring together arts festival
programmers. It focuses on fostering international dialogue, sharing best practices, and exploring
opportunities for cross-border cooperation in the arts. It aims to tackle the gap between East and
West in festivals’ international relations by encouraging more co-productions and collaborations
among festivals.
