Bright Generations, Performing Arts Festival for Children and Young People, will take place from 23 to 29 March 2025 in Marseille and will be the occasion to celebrate the 60th anniversary of ASSITEJ International!

+ 500 professionals from all over the world – +40 professional meetings – 18 French and international shows

WHY PARTICIPATE?
– A week to celebrate creation for young audiences and the 60th anniversary of ASSITEJ International, in the country where it was born.
– Around twenty French and international shows illustrating the diversity and quality of performing arts dedicated to children and young people
– More than 40 professional meetings to work together to imagine the future of the sector
– Involvement of international and national networks
– A series of festive events, including the opening ceremony on 23 March, to bring people together in a joyous and convivial atmosphere

THE FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF THIS FRENCH EDITION
“Bright Generations” is built around 7 pillars:
– Giving a voice to children and young people
– Sharing the artistic and territorial diversity of the French young audiences sector
– (Re)thinking arts education, cultural rights, stages of life, including early childhood
– Shedding light on new challenges in the global landscape of young public performing arts
– Celebrating the Francophonie and the French languages.
– Upholding strong ethical values, including accessibility and inclusivity
– Respecting ecological considerations

PROGRAMME

Artistic programme

The artistic programme for Bright Generations is the result of rigorous work by a jury of some forty national and international professionals, together with the artistic direction of the Théâtre Massalia. The programme highlights the diversity and richness of the performing arts dedicated to children and young people, with a wide range of artistic offerings from France and around the world.

Professional Exchange Programme

Bright Generations also includes around forty professional meetings, organised by Scènes d’enfance – ASSITEJ France, ASSITEJ International and French and international professional networks. The programme includes a variety of activities such as symposia, conferences, workshops, round tables, etc. For this 2025 edition, they are organised around the following themes:

 -Questioning the place of children and young people
– Structuring and networking the players involved in creation for young audiences
A-rtistic education and intergenerational collaboration
– Historical legacies and new challenges
– Celebrating the cultural and artistic diversity of the French-speaking world

As in previous years, the program also includes workshops and colloquia organised by the specialized thematic networks: the International Inclusive Arts Network, the International Theatre for Young Audiences Research Network, Small size Write Local Play and the Young Dance Network. Two Europe Creative programmes, ‘BABEL, The Art of Listening in TYA’ and ‘ForesTEEN’, will be joining the networks. Some fifteen young professionals from all over the world will also be present as part of the New Voices Fellowship programme.

Social Events and Networking

Alongside the professional meetings, the week’s programme includes a dozen social events. These are warm, informal spaces for exchange, designed to strengthen links within the international artistic community. Whether it’s themed evenings, aperitifs or other convivial formats, these events will provide an opportunity to deepen interactions between participants in an atmosphere of sharing and good humour.