Resilient Festivals

We were delighted to launch the ACE-funded Resilient Festivals programme at the BAFA Conference in January. This builds on the outcomes of the Festivals Forward research and specifically aims to support BAFA members in becoming more resilient through knowledge sharing, specialist support, and peer networking.

A dedicated Environmental Responsibility Champion, Andy Fryers, is now leading work to support UK arts festivals in becoming more sustainable. Working closely with the project team, the core objectives of the role are:

• To undertake on-site sustainability audits with selected BAFA member festivals,
• To celebrate existing best practice,
• To identify opportunities for improvement,
• To offer clear, practical recommendations tailored to each organisation.
• To share insights from across the programme with the wider festivals community through BAFA’s platforms and partner networks,
• To work alongside Julie’s Bicycle to shape and deliver additional training for festivals, guided by programme findings and the 2024 Festivals Forward report.

Toki Allison is our RISE Network lead, who will be building BAFA’s first peer learning group, involving both new and existing BAFA members. With the BAFA team, she will:

• Recruit five new arts festivals – led by or working with under-represented communities – to join BAFA,
• Co-create and deliver a programme for discussion with a peer networking group formed of BAFA members and new participant festivals, exploring themes that matter to the group,
• Share learnings, best practice and facilitate connections for the wider membership,
• Collaborate with TONIC on delivering equity and inclusion training for BAFA staff and members.

Read a media release about the programme here