Director: Victoria Mikhailova International Competition and Festival of Folklore, Dance and Music "Rome Art Inspirations Festival" October 25-28, 2025 Teatro delle Muse - Rome Stage dimensions: 10 x 7 m The "Rome Art Inspirations Festival" is designed to popularize folklore, dance, and music, bringing together talented performers from around the world. The event aims to preserve cultural heritage, develop artistic skills, and facilitate creative exchange among participants. The festival offers opportunities to perform on Rome’s stages, gain international recognition, and find inspiration for future artistic achievements. Festival-competition objectives: Promotion of culture worldwide Preservation and development of national cultures and traditions, the best examples of world classics and contemporary art Support and advocacy for a healthy lifestyle Encouragement of creative activities among talented children, adolescents, and youth Strengthening international cooperation and exchange in the field of artistic creativity among children, youth, and adults Participants: Groups and individual performers in the following genres: Choreography Vocal Instrumental music Folklore arts Ritual theaters Folk arts Theatrical arts Puppet theaters Fashion theaters Circus arts Pop-sports performances Categories: Folklore - Folk ensembles may present a fragment of a traditional ritual, dance, song, instrumental performance, or create a performance based on the folklore of their country (duration up to 10 minutes). Vocal (soloists, duets, ensembles, choirs) - Pop vocal, folk vocal, academic vocal, jazz vocal, original songs. Vocalists may perform with musical accompaniment or a cappella. All pieces must be performed using a "minus" backing track or live accompaniment. The use of backing vocals is allowed, but double vocals (instrumental or vocal duplication of the main part) are not permitted for soloists. Vocal-Instrumental genre (soloists, duets, groups) includes: Wind instruments Folk instruments String instruments Mixed ensembles – vocal-instrumental groups with various instrument combinations Piano is not included in this category Choreography (soloists, duets, groups) includes: Folk dance, stylized folk dance, classical dance Ballroom dance (European and Latin American programs, formation) Contemporary and pop dance Children's dance Oriental dance, majorettes Cheerleading, flash mobs, show programs Instrumental (soloists, duets, ensembles) includes: String and plucked instruments Wind instruments Percussion instruments Folk instruments Piano is not included Theatrical Arts (soloists, duets, groups) - Variety miniatures, artistic reading, theatrical performances Circus Arts (soloists, duets, groups) - Variety miniatures, circus acts, fashion theaters, modeling agencies Defile (soloists, duets, groups) - Fashion theaters, modeling agencies Other nominations may be approved by the organizers upon request. Age categories: Mini Kids: 4-6 years Kids: 7-9 years Children: 10-13 years Juniors: 14-17 years Adults: 18+ years Seniors: 50+ years Mixed Groups Competition program duration: (1-2 performances): Soloists, duets, trios - 4 minutes Small groups (4-10 participants) - 6 minutes Ensembles and large groups (11+ participants) - 9 minutes Festival fees: (per application, 2 performances) Groups (11+ participants) - €18 per participant Groups (4-10 participants) - €22 per participant Duets and trios - €30 per participant Soloists - €40 per participant Additional application: Groups (4+ participants) - €10 per participant Soloists, duets, and trios - €20 per participant Awards: Grand Prix Winner - receives the Grand Prix Trophy, festival medals, and a Grand Prix Diploma Small Grand Prix Winner - receives a trophy, festival medals, and a diploma Laureates of I, II, III, IV prizes - receive individual diplomas, festival medals, and a trophy for the group Participant Diploma - for groups/soloists who receive scores below 4th place Debut Diploma - for participants in the MINI KIDS category (ages 4-6) Certificates of Appreciation for teachers and group leaders Based on the Jury’s recommendation - Certificates for FREE participation in future events All participants receive festival memorabilia (badges, magnets, notebooks), individual diplomas, and festival medals (memorabilia sets may vary) IMPORTANT! Applications for participation must be submitted electronically. Submission of applications after July 1, 2025, is possible upon request. Invoices for participation fees will be sent by the organizers after receiving and confirming your application. The organizing committee provides accommodation and a cultural program (excursions) in agreement with the participants. The group delegation may include performers and accompanying persons. The number of performers and accompanying persons is not limited. Musical accompaniment and vocal performances in Russian are not permitted. Participants arrive under the supervision of parents and group leaders, who are responsible for the safety and well-being of children. Leaders, parents, and accompanying adults are personally responsible for safeguarding personal valuables, costumes, and props, as well as for preserving property during performances at any venue and in the hotels where they stay during the festival-competition. In case of any damage caused by the participants of a group, the leader, parents, or accompanying adults must reimburse the costs claimed by the venue administration. All financial expenses related to participation and stay are covered by the participants. Jury: The Jury consists of representatives from culture, arts, media, and public organizations from participating countries. Evaluation is based on a 10-point scale. The Jury reserves the right to: Provide recommendations to competition participants Highlight outstanding performers and award them special prizes Modify competition regulations in agreement with the Organizing Committee Withhold the Grand Prix if no participant meets the required score threshold The Jury’s decision is final and not subject to appeal Festival program: October 25, 2025 - Arrival in Rome, hotel check-in (3-star hotel, shared rooms for 3-4 people). Extra charge for double rooms: €14 per person per night. Free time for an evening walk in Rome. October 26, 2025 - Breakfast. Guided walking tour of Rome. Explore world-famous landmarks such as the Colosseum, Pantheon, Piazza Navona, and Trevi Fountain. Free time. October 27, 2025 - Competition Day Venue: Teatro delle Muse - Rome Opening Ceremony, competition performances, Gala Award Ceremony October 28, 2025 - Breakfast. Hotel check-out. Departure. Participation fee: 235 Euro per person - 4 BB (bed and breakfast) * Every 21st participant FREE Participation fee includes: 1-night stay in a transit hotel in Hungary (breakfast included) 3 nights in a 3-star hotel in Rome (shared rooms for 3-4 people, city tax included) Breakfasts Guided walking tours in Rome Group leader bonuses (every 21st participant free) Official invitation and documents Participation fee does not include: Festival participation fee Double room supplement: €14 per person per night Lunch or dinner: €16 per person Personal expenses Museum entrance tickets Transportation services in Rome (hotel to venue and back, airport transfers) Travel insurance, visa fees for non-Schengen countries, bus parking, public transport tickets, optional excursions The Organizing Committee can assist with transportation bookings in Rome Any group willing to participate must submit an Application form. Approved groups pay in advance 10% guarantee fee, which is to be deducted at the final payment. As a next step: Mandatory 20% prepayment to the main organizer by August 31, 2025.