Freedom’s European journey continues

Freedom’s European journey continues into even more Uncommon Spaces as the IN SITU network 2020-2024 application to Creative Europe is successful!

In times of change, public art can be at the forefront of society to offer us new perspectives, to inject joy and curiosity into our streets, and to invent new ways of connecting us all.

Bringing together 19 partners and 12 associate partners from 21 countries across Europe and beyond, Freedom Festival is continuing its exciting European journey as a core member of the  IN SITU network, in a new four year cooperation project called (UN)COMMON SPACES 2020-2024. 

As an international arts organisation, Freedom Festival’s connectivity with Europe is vital to the success of artists, bring great work and ideas to enjoy for all our audiences, creating incredible opportunities for participants and for all our partners.  

Over the next four years, IN SITU partners will work with a group of associate artists and representatives from civil society, in a new collaborative format founded on skill sharing, artistic vision and plurality of perspectives. 

The programme will revolve around a series of activities including, an international mobility programme driven by audience participation, tailor-made support for artists long term including artistic laboratories, mentorships and co-productions, a set of training tools for anyone interested in art in public space and a cycle of exchanges between artists, organisers and community to regenerate public space and tackle the challenges ahead.

Mikey Martins, Artistic Director and Joint Chief Executive of Freedom Festival, explained: “Our connectivity to Europe is crucial in terms of the benefits to artists, audiences, participants and partners which is why we’re really excited that this next stage of the IN SITU project has been selected and funded by the EU. The work we will create and develop within the network and the artists we will invite to the festival will be a joy to behold. We are so proud to be part of such a formidable creative European team of like-minded creative people, we are so much more interesting when we work together. Viva Europe!

“More than ever we need to use public space as a place to find our community, bringing artists, organisers and civil society together, on a European level, in order to collectively think our present and our future.

“As one of only three UK IN SITU partners, through this project we’re able to retain our connectivity with Europe no matter what, not only by accessing amazing work but through collaborating and learning from our partners in the EU and from across the world.

“Exploring new partnerships with organisations beyond the arts and culture sphere, will lead to greater opportunities to embed the work of Freedom Festival not only across the entire city but of Europe and beyond. Already work that we have supported and co-produced in the last iteration of the IN SITU project goes onto to tour all over the world. we're very proud of that.”

The project proposal delivered by the entire IN SITU network, has been selected by the European Commission within the framework of the Creative Europe Programme, and will kick off its next activities in November 2020.

The European network for artistic creation in public space, is led by Lieux publics – European and national centre for artistic creation in public space - located in Marseille (FR). Since 2003, it has supported more than 250 artists. It brings together 19 partners and 12 associate partners from 21 countries. 

IN SITU partners:
Artopolis Association (Hungary), Atelier 231 (France), Čtyři Dny / Four Days (Czech Republic), FiraTàrrega (Spain), Freedom Festival (The United Kingdom), Kimmel Center (The United States of America), La Strada (Austria), Metropolis (Denmark), Norfolk & Norwich Festival (The United Kingdom), Oerol Festival (The Netherlands), Østfold Internasjonale Teater (Norway), Teatri Oda (Kosovo), Provinciaal Domein Dommelhof (Belgium), Scène Nationale De L’Essonne (France), Uz Arts (The United Kingdom) and an association of 4 Italian partners: Zona K / Indisciplinarte / Pergine Festival / Teatro Stabile Di Sardegna (Italy)

IN SITU associate partners:
Research & Education: Cifas (Belgium), FAI-AR (France) / Cultural Operators – Europe: Anti Festival (Finland), Biela Noc (Slovakia), Bússola (Portugal), Strassentheater Detmold (Germany), Tombées De La Nuit (France) / Cultural Operators – Asia: Hsingho Co. Ltd. & HoooH – Tainan Street Arts Festival (Taiwan), Linhai Art Festival (China), Start Festival (China), Seoul Street Arts Festival (South Korea), Sura Medura (Sri Lanka)