The 22nd ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival 2027
Brave Futures will take place from 21 July to 1 August 2027 in Suwon, Korea, bringing the international ASSITEJ community together for its flagship triennial event.
+ More than 1,000 artists & creative professionals from around the world
+ International Performance Festival & Professional Exchange Programme
+ Representation from over 70 countries across all global continents
WELCOME – KOREA IS WAITING FOR YOU!
From 21 July to 1 August 2027, ASSITEJ Korea, together with ASSITEJ International, is inviting artists, producers, directors, playwrights, performers, designers, educators, researchers, cultural leaders, and other professionals working in the field of Theatre & Performing Arts for, with, and by Children and Young People to gather in Suwon, Korea for the 22nd ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival.
The ASSITEJ World Congress and Performing Arts Festival is the flagship event of the global Theatre & Performing Arts sector for Children & Young People. Held every three years, the World Congress combines an international Performance Festival with a Professional Exchange Programme and other events, including the General Assembly of ASSITEJ International.
Taking place exactly 25 years after the ASSITEJ World Congress in Seoul in 2002, this edition offers a special opportunity to reflect on the profound changes that have shaped the world and the field over the past quarter century. It is also a long-awaited chance for the international ASSITEJ community to gather again in Asia after many members were unable to attend the Tokyo 2021 Congress because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
WHY ATTEND?
A global gathering to celebrate Theatre & Performing Arts for, with and by Children & Young People.
An international festival welcoming all performing arts genres and artistic expressions, with work for audiences from babies to young adults
A wide-ranging Professional Exchange Programme to share ideas, research, artistic practice and professional experience
The involvement of ASSITEJ National Centres, International Professional Networks, Affiliates and professionals from over 70 countries
Informal social events and networking opportunities to exchange ideas, build relationships and develop future collaborations
The international ASSITEJ community returns to Korea 25 years after the Seoul Congress.
FOUNDING PRINCIPLES OF THE EVENT
Brave Futures is shaped by 3 interconnected themes that will guide the artistic programme, professional exchange and wider conversations of the Congress. Together, they invite participants to listen, learn from the host region and imagine more inclusive, creative and sustainable futures for children and young people.
Children’s Voices
Asian Perspectives
Possible Worlds
PROGRAMME
ARTISTIC PROGRAMME
The artistic programme for Brave Futures will bring together selected productions from Korea, Asia, and around the world. It welcomes all performing arts genres and artistic expressions, including work for and with all age groups, performances involving children and young people as creators or performers, and work created for disabled or deaf audiences. Particular attention will be given to performances that reflect children’s voices, embody brave and innovative approaches, or re-imagine the traditions and values of Asia.
SOCIAL EVENTS AND NETWORKING
Alongside the performances and professional sessions, the programme will create opportunities for informal exchange, networking, and socialising. These relaxed and welcoming activities will help participants connect across the international Theatre & Performing Arts for Young Audiences community, strengthen relationships and share organisations, networks, projects and regional initiatives.
PROFESSIONAL EXCHANGE PROGRAMME
Brave Futures will include a varied Professional Exchange Programme organised by ASSITEJ Korea and ASSITEJ International. It will provide a platform for ideas, knowledge and professional practice through:
- the Market Place,
- Snapshots of Artistic Practice presentations,
- Quickfire Professional Exchange talks,
- the ITYARN Research Conference,
- Roundtables and Seminars,
- Other Format sessions,
- Workshops,
- Visual Formats, and
- Social Events.
The programme will primarily bring together performing arts professionals, alongside practitioners from related fields such as education and research, while actively engaging children and young people as participants and contributors. Sessions will explore Children’s Voices, Asia and Possible Worlds, while also welcoming other topics and experiences from across the global sector.
THE EVENT PARTNERS
ASSITEJ KOREA
Founded in 1982, ASSITEJ Korea is a non-profit organisation dedicated to developing and promoting theatre and performing arts for babies, children, and young people in Korea, while strengthening international exchange and professional networks. Its membership includes theatre companies, playwrights, critics, producers, and researchers working across the sector. ASSITEJ Korea organises a wide range of festivals, programmes, and professional activities. These include the ASSITEJ Korea International Summer Festival, the ASSITEJ Korea Winter Festival in Seoul, the Seoul Children’s Theatre Awards, World Day of Theatre for Children and Young People events, the Korean Performing Arts Platform for Children and Youth, workshops, publications, and theatre programmes for children and communities across Korea. Through these activities, the organisation works to expand young audiences’ access to diverse, high-quality artistic and cultural experiences and to support the development of the Korean Theatre for Young Audiences sector.
ASSITEJ INTERNATIONAL
Founded in 1965, ASSITEJ International is the global association for Theatre & Performing Arts for Children & Young People. Its network spans more than 80 countries and brings together artists, theatres, organisations, and other professionals who believe that every child and young person should have access to the arts, particularly live performance, from the earliest possible age. The association advocates for the artistic, cultural and educational rights of all children and young people, regardless of nationality, cultural identity, ethnicity or religion. Its members comprise ASSITEJ National Centres, International Professional Networks, and Affiliates. ASSITEJ International creates opportunities for its members to exchange ideas, knowledge and artistic practice across national and cultural boundaries. Through its World Congresses, Artistic Gatherings, online events, regional workshops, awards, and publications, it supports international networking, collaboration and professional development throughout the sector.