FEST FORUM returns in January 2026

2 December 2025

The FEST FORUM Festival Forum, organized by the Krakow Festival Office in cooperation with partners from across Poland, returns in January 2026 in the form of open online meetings. The initiative, which integrates the festival community, will once again create a space for exchanging experiences, reflecting on the challenges facing the industry, and developing competencies key to the sustainable functioning of cultural events.

FEST FORUM was created out of the need to build a community of festival organizers in Poland. The aim of the project is to strengthen cooperation, develop good practices, and prepare solutions that allow the sector to operate more stably and effectively. In the 2026 edition, particular emphasis is placed on the development of competencies available online — free of charge and for all interested representatives of the industry.

Two open thematic meetings will take place in January:

January 13, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: How to host FEST FORUM in your city?
A meeting addressed to entities interested in organizing future editions of the event. The preparatory processes, cooperation tools, and division of tasks between partners and organizers will be presented.

January 27, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Why do we need associations? Online debate with Anna Michalak-Pawłowska
A continuation of one of the key FEST FORUM debates concerning industry representation, building cooperation networks, and supportive organizational structures. The discussion will focus on models of operation based on sharing knowledge and resources.

Four workshops will be held in January, once again made available online. Registration will open on December 15, 2025.

January 14, 2026, 3:00 p.m.–5:00 p.m.: Crowdfunding. How to finance a festival with people, not only for people?

A workshop devoted to crowdfunding tools, building engagement, and the language of communication that supports the co-creation of an event.

January 20, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Festivals and their environment – 9 Hills Festival in Chełmno as an example of an event co-created by residents

A practical approach to cooperation with the local community, partners, and local government, along with examples that can be implemented.

January 21, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: Festivals and people – cooperation within an organization
A workshop on work culture, well-being, team structures, and succession, enriched by the experience of SLOT Art Festival and the support of HR Hints.

January 26, 2026, 10:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.: The Act on the Protection of Minors – case study
An analysis of the legal requirements concerning work with minors during festivals, based on the practices of SLOT Art Festival and the experience of the KBF Legal Department.

Thanks to its open online format, the January edition of FEST FORUM aims to enable broad participation by representatives of cultural institutions, non-governmental organizations, local governments, and independent creators. The program of events has been designed to provide knowledge that can be immediately applied in practice and to strengthen the competencies necessary for organizing festivals in a dynamically changing reality.

Registration for online meetings is available at:
https://kbf-ankieta.limesurvey.net/781573?lang=pl

Registration for online workshops is available at:
https://kbf-ankieta.limesurvey.net/358736?lang=pl

More information about FEST FORUM:
https://kbf.krakow.pl/festforum/

Co-organization: Institute of Anthropology and Ethnology at Adam Mickiewicz University, Museum of Polish Song in Opole, SLOT Art Festival, Krakow Festival Office, National Centre for Culture, Institute of Creative Industries, European Festivals Association
FEST FORUM Program Council: Katarzyna Jakubowiak, Waldemar Kuligowski, Carolina Pietyra, Margarita Vladimirova, Jarosław Wasik, Aleksandra Zając
Partners: Hevre, ZAiKS, Zrzutka.pl
Media partner: Newsweek
Host city: Krakow

Co-financing: National Recovery Plan and the European Union