Europe Day 2025 – Reflections on Arts Festivals Summit
This Europe Day, we celebrate the power of culture and arts to build bridges — across borders, sectors, and perspectives.
Last week, ARC was proud to participate in the Arts Festivals Summit 2025 organised by the European Festivals Association (EFA) and hosted by the Edinburgh International Festival, Festivals Edinburgh, and the City of Edinburgh Council, where over 215 festival specialists from across Europe gathered to reflect on the evolving responsibilities of festivals in today’s world.
We joined key discussions on the intersection of culture and health led by our collaborator Rarița Zbranca, as well as on Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Belonging (DEIAB) — engaging with new frameworks for equity and care in the festival ecosystem.
ARC’s Managing Director Davinia Galea contributed a personal reflection on EFA’s role in navigating the tension between solidarity and political dialogue:
“EFA does not merely represent festivals: it champions their power to unite, provoke, and challenge.”
She asked how we might extend our circles beyond the like-minded
“Are we prepared to also invite dissenting voices to our tables? Those who challenge the value of cultural funding or question our understanding of freedom of expression?”
Echoing the post-war spirit that gave birth to the European Festivals Association and the Edinburgh Festival itself, she called for courage to create space for difficult conversations:
“Not to argue or force agreement, but to listen… deeply.”
To access the full intervention, kindly click here
We were especially proud to witness a strong Maltese presence, with representatives from the Gozo Regional Council and Festivals Malta actively engaging in these conversations — ensuring that Malta’s voice remains central to the future of European cultural cooperation.
Today and every day, ARC remains committed to shaping a cultural sector that is inclusive, interconnected, and resilient.
Cover photo credits: Andrew Perry
