Директор: Marzenna Howorska The Festival of Traditional Art asks questions about what imagined communities we want to participate in and what traditions we want to maintain. Folk groups are a fantasy of what folk art used to be. This fantasy is a reference point for modern societies. The global goal of the Festival of Traditional Art is to promote international folklore and maintain traditions in a way that will be accessible to viewers of all ages. The essence of the Festival is to promote tolerance and understanding for other nationalities in order to build modern civil society. The Festival is held between 08.08.2025 and 17.08.2025 in Poznan - Poland. The performances are held in six cities in the Greater Poland Region, including landmark sites, such as Gniezno - the first capital city of Poland and the National Museum of Agriculture. Each year, the Festival gathers around 5000 viewers, with regional media coverage. The Festival is not of a competitive nature and is for (professionals and amateurs) - artisans, musicians, singers and dancers presenting the folk culture and tradition typical for their region. No salaries are guaranteed. The festival is co-financed by the Ministry of Culture and National Heritage of Republic of Poland via National Institute of Music and Dance, the Greater Poland Voivodship, Poznan County, the City of Gniezno and the City of Poznan. Festival introduction: The Festival is held between 08.08.2025 and 17.08.2025 in Poznan - Poland. The Festival is not of a competitive nature. The Festival is for (professionals and amateurs) - artisans, musicians, singers and dancers presenting the folk culture and tradition typical for their region. The performances are held in six cities in the Wielkopolska Region, including landmark sites such as Gniezno - the first capital city of Poland and National Museum of Agriculture. Each year, the Festival gathers around 5000 viewers, with regional and national media coverage. No salaries are guaranteed. Conditions: Performances with live music have priority during the selection process. Exceptions are made only for the nations that traditionally don’t perform with live music. The artists should present two separate artistic programmes, up to 20 minutes each. Presented programmes should be typical for its ethnographic region and should present characteristic elements of its culture. The programmes should be prepared as artistic, stage presentation. The artists should be in original costumes. No modern improvisations are allowed. Both national and local folklore are welcomed. The performances are held on stages with the dimensions: 12x10m. If the stage is smaller, additional stand for musicians is provided. As the Festival focuses on traditional dance, to honor the musicians, one performance will focus on music only. The musicians, therefore, should prepare ap. 40 min. folk music programme. During the Festival, the evening Folk Jam Session is held by the riverbank of Warta river in Poznan. It is an informal party (no costumes) with other participants and locals. The participants are asked to prepare ap. 30 min. animation program of common/ popular folklore of their region (music, singing, dancing) to teach and play with other attendees. Stage with sound system is provided. As a side event, the folk costumes fashion show is held, together with jewelry exhibition. The participants are therefore asked to bring festive costumes and pieces of jewelry matching the costumes for one couple. If any other activities occur, the promoter will inform the participants at least two moths prior. Accommodation: Accommodation and full board (3 meals per day) are provided from dinner 07.08.2025 to breakfast 18.08.2025 The artist will be accommodated in Poznan University of Technology Student’s Campus. The Campus is located in city center, about 10 min. walk from the Old Square. There is one bathroom for each segment consisting of one double and one triple room. The promoter covers travelling expenses during the Festival. The promoter will arrange sightseeing of important places in the Region. Terms: The participants are obliged to take part in all the presentations and events included in the programme of the Festival. Travelling expenses from and to Poznan (Poznan Airport) are paid by the participants. The additional costs, like insurance or Visa applications, are covered by the participants. The Festival’s presentations will be recorded by the media without fees in aid of the participants. Number of participants: up to 25 persons (plus 2 drivers if necessary) for ensembles with live music up to 20 persons (plus 2 drivers if necessary) for ensembles without live music Each additional person is charged 40.00 Euro per day. Eligibility and priorities: At least seven groups will be selected for the edition, one of each cultural region. The regions are: Western and Northern Europe including Iceland, Great Britain, Benelux, France, Switzerland, Austria, Germany, Denmark, Scandinavia Central and Eastern Europe including Czech Republic, Slovakia, Lithuania, Latvia, Estonia, Hungary, Ukraine, Georgia, as well as Kazakhstan and other Caspian Sea countries, Georgia, Armenia or Mongolia Southern Europe including Spain, Portugal, Azores, Capo Verde, Italy, Greece, Slovenia, Croatia, Balkan States, Romania, Moldova, Bulgaria and Turkey Arab nations including Egypt, Morocco, Algeria, Tunisia, Chad African nations Eastern and Southern Asia including India, Pakistan, Nepal, Thailand, Maldives, China, Taiwan, South Korea, Japan Pacific nations including Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, Oceania and other Polynesian nations like Hawaii, Easter Islands and Galapagos Northern and Central America Southern America Due to frequent participation in previous editions, countries not eligible for 2025 edition are: Burundi, Ukraine, Mexico, Colombia, Turkey, India. Countries that have priority in 2025 edition application procedure: Peoples’ choice: Australia, Cuba National priorities: Chile, Japan * Priority doesn’t guarantee selection. Applicants shall send signed application form together with 4 high quality photos (300 dpi) representing the ensemble and its activities due to 27.09.2024. The promoter will confirm the reception of an e-mail within 3 working days. In addition to the required documents, African countries that require Visa, shall send additional documents: letter of recommendation from the respective Ministry of Culture or Foreign Affairs or local authorities issued for the Festival copies of certificates of participation in EU festivals within last 5 years Selection and further milestones: The Artistic Committee will conclude the selection procedure on 13.10.2024. Each applicant will receive the notification due to 20.10.2024. Further milestones: Official invitation sent to the selected artists till 30.11.2024 The participants shall present general flight bookings/ reservations (without names) till 31.03.2025. Failing to do so will result in exclusion from the Festival Visa procedure finalisation and contract signing till 30.04.2025 Creative sheet and technical rider preparation till 31.05.2025 Organisational sheet together with travel list and dedicated flight tickets preparation till 30.06.2025 Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form.