festivalit

Festivalit is a European interdisciplinary cultural festival held annually, presenting music, theater, film, and performing arts, with accompanying workshops and talks. Organized by the non-profit Festivalit Association, it takes place over five days in autumn in the capital city, with events staged in theatres, galleries, and outdoor venues. The festival emphasizes accessibility, local participation, and sustainability.

Founded in 2010 by a coalition of artists and community groups, the first edition offered around forty events and a mix of urban performances and cinema. In subsequent years it expanded to additional venues and international guests, and in 2014 began operating in neighboring cities. The 2020 edition shifted to online and hybrid formats due to the pandemic, with in-person programming returning thereafter.

The program includes concerts, dance and theatre performances, film screenings, talks, and workshops. It prioritizes emerging regional artists alongside international guests, and roughly half the projects are produced specifically for Festivalit. An independent program committee curates the lineup to encourage cross-disciplinary collaboration and broad audience appeal.

Festivalit is governed by the Festivalit Association, with a board and program committee that collaborates with universities, cultural institutions, and sponsors. Funding comes from municipal support, cultural grants, sponsorships, and ticket sales. The festival relies on volunteers and emphasizes accessibility, offering discounted tickets and venues with barrier-free access.

Reception has been broadly positive for its breadth and community impact. It is credited with supporting local artists and contributing to cultural tourism, while maintaining challenges in long-term funding. The festival also pursues sustainability through public-transport incentives, waste reduction, and environmentally aware production practices.