URGENT UPDATE: Budva is set to host the prestigious Arts Festivals Summit 2026 from May 16 to 19, 2026, marking a significant cultural milestone in Europe. This event, organized by the European Festivals Association (EFA), will gather approximately 250 festival directors, artists, and cultural managers from across Europe.
This four-day summit will transform Budva into a vibrant hub for creativity and collaboration. Attendees will engage in discussions about the future of festivals while forging new projects and partnerships. The summit will kick off with a grand opening ceremony on May 16, followed by conferences, workshops, and plenary sessions over the next two days.
Participants will not only delve into the artistic landscape but will also explore the cultural heritage and social aspirations of Budva and Montenegro. The final day will feature the central program, the EFA General Assembly, where future action plans will be adopted, new members promoted, and the next city for the gathering selected.
According to the Grad teatar Budva, which has been an EFA member since 2021, hosting this summit is a remarkable honor and a testament to the institution’s longstanding commitment to quality and international collaboration. This event comes on the heels of the successful 2025 summit in Edinburgh, further elevating Budva’s profile in the cultural sector.
The summit promises to enhance the cultural, professional, and tourist visibility of Budva and Montenegro within the European context. It also opens up avenues for future international cultural partnerships, as noted in the official release from the Grad teatar Budva.
As excitement builds for this landmark event, stakeholders and participants are urged to prepare for a transformative experience that will shape the future of arts festivals in Europe. Keep an eye on further updates as plans unfold for what promises to be an unforgettable summit.
