The Turin Declaration and DanceFestNet

The creation of a new pan-European organisation of dance festivals - Dance Festivals Network Europe, new forms of advocacy, funding models and sustainable practices in the sector - these are some of the main points in a founding declaration distributed by the Big Pulse Dance Alliance network and its 12 partners, including One Dance Festival as the only representative from the Balkans. The document aims to elaborate a proactive position and precise priorities in shaping the dance sector in the decision-making on cultural policies and practices in the context of the dynamic political and economic situation in Europe.

The draft declaration was discussed and presented in Turin as part of the programme of the final Big Pulse Reflections conference. This two-day professional forum marks the end of the Big Pulse Dance Alliance project and the launch of the Dance Festivals Network Europe. The new horizontal coalition based in Amsterdam will bring together 23 festivals from 22 European countries, building on the core of the 12 founding members of the Big Pulse Dance Alliance. DanceFestNet's new members include the Danse - La Biennale de Lyon and platforms from North Macedonia and Albania to Iceland.

Dance festivals supporting the Turin Declaration - and more - are part of a delicate ecosystem facing many challenges. These include outdated funding models with no long-term timeframes, a lag in innovative sustainability practices and carbon footprint reduction, limited access to content in peripheral areas and unconventional locations outside of theatres, and more. The document says the dance sector should address attracting artistic voices and audiences, as well as its ability to contribute to social cohesion, solidarity, tolerance and dialogue between individuals and communities.

The Turin Declaration recognises that the art of dance transcends language barriers and naturally connects people from different cultures. As part of Europe's wider cultural landscape, contemporary dance is open to innovation, new forms of expression, and bold messages, contributing to diversifying cultural heritage and diversity.

Specific recommendations for change in the sector include a focus on international co-productions, the introduction of sustainable practices for artistic mobility and touring, greater access for audiences with physical and mental disabilities, the promotion of dance art through digital platforms and more. Through dance festivals, networks, platforms and artists, Europe can continue contributing to the world art stage, creating connections that nurture and enrich linguistic, political and geographical landscapes.

Stressing the utmost importance of collaboration to support the future of the dance sector, the document reflects the collective wisdom and forward-thinking strategies developed over the four years of the Big Pulse Dance Alliance project, funded by the Creative Europe Programme of the European Union. Its recommendations are for policymakers, cultural leaders, and dance professionals to ensure that European contemporary dance remains a leading force in the global arts scene, enriched by sustainability, diversity, innovation, and transcontinental cooperation.

Full text of the declaration.

Stay tuned for more information on DanceFestNet.

Partners of Big Pulse Dance Alliance along with artists, curators, producers, administrators, communications officers and policymakers from across Europe and beyond came together in Turin from 23 – 24 October for a two-day professional forum focused on the importance of European collaboration for the future of the dance sector. Hosted by Teatro Stabile and Torinodanza Festival, it was an engaging and insightful еvent that brought stronger connections, inspiration and opportunities for future collaboration.