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Culture & Politics A collective platform for reflection and dialogue Proposed by Nicolas Bertrand, in partnership with Cie Maqamat – Dance People, France Festivals, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes Spectacle Vivant, RESET! – Arty Farty, the European Festivals Association, and A Soul for Europe. The contribution of culture to local life, economically, socially, and in terms of well-being—is now widely acknowledged. Yet, in a context of multiple crises, cultural ecosystems are becoming increasingly fragile, and cultural policies are under growing pressure. In this context, it is essential to reopen a concrete dialogue between cultural actors and political decision-makers. Festivals hold a unique place within territories, serving as spaces for creation, encounter, and experimentation. How can we, in this context, affirm and protect what makes festivals unique: spaces of creation, risk-taking, experimentation, and engagement with others? How can we sustain these forward-looking spaces of dialogue that strengthen local communities while connecting them to broader global challenges? This working group will bring together pairs of elected officials and festival leaders, primarily from the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, invited to share their experiences, needs, and practices. The aim of this collective reflection is to strengthen the alliance between local authorities and festivals, fostering concrete avenues for collaboration at the territorial level. Discussions will notably draw on the report “Festivals in Context: The Role of the Arts in Local Cultural Policy.”