Creative Europe
Desk UK
for Culture

FESTIVAL LAB is an initiative of 8 festivals in 8 countries, an intensive training programme for European festival directors and producers which combines theory and practice. FESTIVAL LAB wants to point out the necessity to give a chance to the next generation of festival programmers and to offer theoretical and practical support as well as a laboratory to test drive new programme ideas. It is conceived as a special programme which integrates theoretical preparation (academy), practical experience and discussion (workshops), an opportunity of own professional experience (residency) and a future-oriented artistic program, designed, developed and realised by the residents as part of the program of the hosting festivals. Alongside providing an opportunity for future festival directors and producers, FESTIVAL LAB”²s pioneering initiative aims to promote and explore fresh and contemporary programming ideas to European audiences and sector professionals. It will facilitate the sharing of knowledge in the field of festival management and create an informal network, as well as enabling debate and transformation around supporting and developing new talent.