FestivAlt 2024

Event program

FestivALT, as a Jewish multidisciplinary cultural organization, organizes an annual festival of contemporary art, performance, and activism—critically engaged, exploring the complexities of Jewish life in Poland today.

This year’s theme was Gilgul, which means “circle” in Hebrew. It is also the Jewish concept of reincarnation. According to this, the imperfect human soul continues to strive for perfection; it repeats its cycle until it corrects the mistakes of the past. The festival’s exploration of Gilgul provided a thematic thread that connected the various events and performances, inviting participants to consider cycles of history, identity, and memory in personal and communal contexts. By engaging with these cycles, FestivALT promoted conversations about the role of Jewish culture and activism in responding to contemporary challenges such as rising nationalism, anti-Semitism, and the refugee crisis.
The festival has attracted significant attention both locally and internationally, reflecting its growing influence on the cultural and activist landscape.

FestivALT 2024 was a rich and dynamic exploration of Jewish art, culture, and activism. With a diverse program and an emphasis on cycles of memory, identity, and engagement, the festival successfully created a platform for meaningful dialogue, artistic innovation, and cultural expression. The festival’s ability to attract participants from around the world underscores its importance and growing influence in the field of contemporary Jewish art and activism.
FestivALT 2024 successfully promoted a space for meaningful dialogue and artistic expression around Jewish history, culture, and contemporary issues.