From August 21 to 30, 2026, Antwerp will host the LOUDER TOGETHER congrestival in Flanders, Belgium.
Under this banner, the World Children's and Youth Performing Arts Festival and the International Teaching Artist Conference (ITAC8) are joining forces.
For the first time, the International Teaching Artist Conference is being organized alongside a performing arts festival!
LOUDER: We want to give children and young people a voice. Let’s hear yours!
Our aim is to demonstrate that arts programs are safe and brave spaces where young people can build confidence in their artistic abilities and feel empowered to express themselves creatively. Every child and young person should have access to the transformative power of the arts, helping to shape a more creative, empathetic, and culturally aware society.
TOGETHER: Teaching artists as Connectors
In a rapidly shifting world, teaching artists act as connectors between people, ideas, and disciplines. They don’t just share their practice: they ignite imagination, bridge differences, and provide safe spaces for new ways of thinking and creating. At ITAC8, we explore how teaching artists shape more imaginative, inclusive, and resilient communities.
We hope this unique setup will inspire artists to showcase their performances at the festival (August 21–30 2026), and we encourage teaching artists to lead engaging activities and workshops, allowing participants to actively connect at the conference (August 28–30 2026).
