EFA at Classical:NEXT 2026
EFA is hosting the ‘Networking Session’ and Thomas Hummel from Usedom Music Festival will speak about "Sustaining International Collaboration in the Arts" on EFA's behalf on Friday, 10 April 2026, at Classical:NEXT in Budapest, Hungary
These sessions are only open for those who registered for the conference.
Let’s Talk Festivals
During the ‘Networking Session’, the European Festivals Association invites delegates to engage in a conversation about artistic programming, audiences, and international collaboration. This networking space offers an opportunity to meet new colleagues, share ideas and challenge perspectives on how to support emerging artists, attract and engage new audiences, and develop cross-border partnerships.
Bring your experiences, strategies, and questions to small-group discussions and peer-to-peer exchanges, and leave with fresh perspectives from colleagues across Europe.
Practical information
- Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
- Time: 14.00 - 15.00 PM CEST
- Location: Millenáris, Budapest
- Facilitated by: Luana Santos EFA Communication and Project Manager
with Donika Rudi Berishaj, Project Director of European Festivals Fund for Emerging Artists – EFFEA
Sustaining International Collaboration in the Arts
Fostering International Performance Networks Through Global Partnership
This session invites classical music professionals to look beyond financial motivations for internationalisation and explore its social, cultural and political value.
What emerges when artists, presenters and institutions work across borders - empathy, artistic renewal, cultural dialogue? Three perspectives frame the discussion: an artist navigating global mobility, a presenter integrating international work into strategic development, and an export office supporting cross-border exchange. Together, they will address opportunities and challenges such as partnerships, structural barriers, political contexts and funding dynamics. The meet up concludes with an open exchange, inviting participants to share their experiences, insights and feelings about international development in today’s global music ecosystem.
Practical information
- Date: Friday, 10 April 2026
- Time: 16.00 - 17.15 PM CEST
- Location: Millenáris, Budapest
- Coordinated by: David Baile - Chief Executive Officer, International Society for the Performing Arts (United States)
- Speakers: Thomas Hummel - Executive Director, Usedom Music Festival (Germany), Fabienne Krause - Director, Classical:NEXT (Germany), Simon Woods - President and CEO, League of American Orchestras (United States), Gilles Doré, Executive Director, CINARS (Canada).
About Classical:NEXT
Classical:NEXT is the global networking and exchange hub dedicated exclusively to classical and art music, for all professionals – artists, managers, presenters, orchestras, labels, educators, press, media, publishers and more. Classical:NEXT consists of an interactive conference, project pitches, showcase concerts, expo, innovation award and networking. Since 2017, EFA has been hosting a “Networking Session” at Classical:NEXT, which became one of the most popular formats.
More info: www.classicalnext.com