Dancing Histor(y)ies- binding communities and heritage through dance- is the European project aimed at linking communities and cultural heritage through dance. Co-financed under the “Creative Europe” program, the project focuses on promoting archaeological sites through performing arts and aims to identify an innovative, effective, and replicable model for the enhancement of cultural sites actively involving local communities in artistic production and conscious heritage enjoyment, also promoting the international circulation of European artists.
Dancing Histor(y)ies project involves 13 institutions of 11 different European Countries with long experience in heritage site management, performing arts and dance production, research and training, as well as in the design, running and evaluation of EU funded projects. The Consortium of Mérida Theatre Festival is one of the project partners.
During November 26 and 27 (2023), a partner was held in Volos (Greece). The overall objective was to evaluate the first 6 months of the project, draw conclusions and prepare the beginning of the II phase of the project, according to the development of the strategy Project model. The already designed model will be adapted so that it will serve as support in the development of the DH Festival in each of the different participating countries.
During the meeting in Volos, all partners shared results, inspirations and future challenges. Pedro Blanco participated in the meeting as Director of the Board of Trustees of the Mérida Theater Festival Consortium, sharing with the rest of the partners the long experience of the Festival accumulated in the management of stage performances in archaeological sites throughout the 69 editions of the Festival. One of the challenges that especially encourages to Mérida Festival is the incorporation of new audiences. Among them, continuing to lower the average age of attendees, ensuring that young people understand the contemporary value of the classics through the performing arts. The Festival’s experience implementing accessibility and inclusion practices has been one of its main contributions during the second partners’ meeting.
Innogestiona Ambiental has supported the preparation and development of the meeting in Volos, according to the technical assistance contracted with the Mérida Theater Festival Consortium.
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