The first ever New European Bauhaus Festival took place in Brussels from 9 to 12 June and the European Commission invited organisations, art collectives, institutions, universities, architects, cities, regions, companies, artists, students, scientists, innovators to become part of it.

This first edition of the festival was the occasion to showcase the values and principles of the New European Bauhaus, of which the Institute is a partner, a creative and interdisciplinary initiative that connects the European Green Deal to our living spaces and experiences

The hybrid event proposed live performances, exhibitions, participatory activities and a forum to debate and exchange ideas. The Festival’s main activities were held physically in Brussels and online, with side events across the EU and beyond. It was a moment to involve everyone in the  movement, from people and families to experts and organisations, to debate and design future ways of living together.

Interested organisations and individuals proposed their own activities, projects, venues or side events to become a spotlight feature of the three pillars of The Festival:

• The Fest: a cultural programme with a range of performances, art pieces, creative participatory activities, and festivities in associated pop-up spaces in Brussels;
• The Fair: exhibitions spread across the city to display projects and products that support the values of the New European Bauhaus, with networking opportunities for visitors and exhibitors, including pitches from innovators to investors;
• The Forum: an online platform broadcasting debates in Brussels, as well as side-events across the world, to debate ideas that contribute to the New European Bauhaus.

The European Commission made available support to people and organisations to help them take part in The Festival, depending on the individual needs of each selected applicant, as well as on the organisational requirements of the event overall.

Launched by President von der Leyen in her 2020 State of the Union address, the New European Bauhaus was co-designed together with thousands of people and organisations across Europe and further beyond. In September 2021, the initiative moved from co-design to delivery with a Commission Communication setting out policy actions and funding to make the initiative a reality.