From November 20th to 24th, the Festival of the Holy Spirit will be held in Belgrade and Novi Sad (Serbia). ASSITEJ Artistic Gathering. Annual international meeting that will be called Turning Point (Turning point). A meeting to continue deepening networking, strengthening ties, and creating new connections.
With each new edition that has been held for many years, the national festival from ASSITEJ Serbia, FAS , has paved the way for sharing ideas, strengthening unity, and community building among artists and professionals at TYA, bringing us one step closer to realizing our dream of bringing the community together. from ASSITEJ International in the heart of our region. We are delighted that our wish has been granted and we are in the perfect moment to celebrate both the 20th anniversary of ASSITEJ Serbia as the 10th anniversary of the last General Comment of the United Nations Committee on the Rights of the Child on the Right to Culture (Articles 13 and 31).
Why “Turning Point”?
Considering the current situation of the entire world and the situation of theater and performing arts for children and young people, we can be certain of one thing: we are in a liminal space, a transitional space that is part of moving from one state to another. A space of ignorance, confusion, and uncertainty, where old truths have been abandoned and new ideas have not yet emerged. This transitional space often begins with a sense of loss, crisis, fear, and meaninglessness, along with the awareness that there is no turning back. In the process, we relinquish old meanings and enter the marginal space where new meanings have not yet been created.
Together, we are at a turning point where:
- The new generations are taking over and becoming drivers of development;
- New technologies are introduced at TYA as innovative ways to tell stories and engage audiences;
- New means of engaging with visual arts and design are being tested in theatre and performing arts for children and young people in relation to space, light, sound, visual identity, puppets and/or objects;
- It's "now or never" when it comes to the environmental, energy, and climate crises—one of the defining issues of our time—as well as geopolitical conflicts and the need to protect children's rights, women's rights, and human rights around the world.
The objectives of AAG 2023 In Serbia, these include advocating for theater and performing arts for children and young people to be placed more prominently on the agendas of decision-makers; fostering new synergies between education and culture; highlighting artists and productions from Southeast Europe; and challenging the neglect of children and young people's right to arts and culture.
