Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 3rd, 2024
Flying Carpet Festival Announces Open Call for Artists for the 2025 Edition
The Flying Carpet Festival is thrilled to announce its open call for artists, starting today, inviting creatives from all corners of the world to apply for an opportunity to be part of an extraordinary cultural exchange and celebration of the arts. Applications will remain open until February 1, 2025, at 11:59 PM (PST).
The festival, now in its 7th year, will take place from August 30 to September 9, 2025, in the vibrant city of Mardin, located in southeastern Turkey. Participants will arrive on August 29, with departures scheduled for September 10. Over the years, the festival has welcomed more than 190 artists, offering a unique platform to foster collaboration, inspire storytelling, and create unforgettable experiences for local and global audiences.
Who Should Apply
The Flying Carpet Festival is seeking musicians, composers, performers, dancers, circus artists, visual artists, theater artists, and workshop facilitators who are passionate about creativity, collaboration, and community impact. Selected artists will contribute to the creation of a multidisciplinary storytelling production and have the opportunity to perform across seven locations in Turkey. Musicians will also participate in special jam sessions, blending traditional and contemporary sounds with local artists.
Workshop facilitators are invited to share their talents by leading educational programs for children, fostering a love for the arts and hands-on learning.
What the Festival Offers
The Flying Carpet Festival covers housing, food, transportation, and logistics for all participants during the event. While we are unable to offer artist fees, we encourage applicants to assist with fundraising for their travel costs, as our resources are limited. Financial contributions will not influence the selection process.
This is a unique opportunity to:
Collaborate with artists from diverse cultural and artistic backgrounds.
Participate in creating a large-scale storytelling production that combines music, dance, circus arts, puppetry, and visual projections.
Inspire local communities and promote the democratization of the arts.
Safety and Diversity
Despite being held in a region identified as a "red zone" by many governments, the Flying Carpet Festival has successfully hosted artists for seven years without incident. Safety is our top priority, and we take every precaution to ensure a secure and welcoming environment for all participants.
The festival values diversity and inclusivity, welcoming artists from all ethnicities, genders, and backgrounds. Our selection process focuses solely on artistic merit and potential.
How to Apply
Artists interested in applying can complete the application form by February 1, 2025. Please provide information about your work, experience, and vision for contributing to the festival. If you plan to lead a workshop, include details about the title, process, educational outcomes, materials, age range, and number of participants.
For inquiries, contact Cynthia at cynthia@flyingcarpetfestival.org.
About the Flying Carpet Festival
The Flying Carpet Festival is the first mobile festival for children living in conflict zone and a volunteer-based initiative dedicated to creating connections through the arts, fostering cultural exchange, and bringing joy and hope to vulnerable communities. It is a celebration of creativity, resilience, and the transformative power of artistic collaboration.
Join us in making the 2025 Flying Carpet Festival an unforgettable journey of artistic discovery and human connection.
Website: www.flyingcarpetfestival.org
Email: cynthia@flyingcarpetfestival.org