What is FEST?
The Federation of European Storytelling (FEST) is an international network of organisations, networks and associations active in the field of oral storytelling.
FEST has 99 members in 28 different countries, who represent national, regional or local organisations like professional storytelling associations, festival organisers, storytelling training centres, local authorities, academies, colleges, universities, cultural centres or libraries, all with a special interest in oral storytelling.
FEST aims to empower the world of oral storytelling by fostering sharing, learning and meaningful relationship building.
FEST works to strengthen the visibility and recognition of oral storytelling as a performing art, while supporting the professional development of storytellers across cultural sectors. It also enhances the European dimension of storytelling events by encouraging transnational cooperation and building a broader culture of storytelling through sustained audience development. FEST is not about promoting individual storytellers, but about nurturing the sector as a whole.
At the same time, FEST promotes mobility within the field by facilitating conferences, training programmes, festivals and mentorship. It contributes to the long-term growth of the storytelling ecosystem by offering resources, fostering international connections and linking European organisations with partners around the world. Through this work, FEST aims to support a resilient, collaborative and internationally engaged storytelling community.
