European festival association Yourope has announced Holger Jan Schmidt as its new General Secretary. He takes over from Christof Huber, who moves to the position of Chair. The changes will also see Yourope shift its offices to Bonn in Germany, where Schmidt is based.
"The importance of our organisation became more obvious than ever last year, because especially in times when major events are impossible due to the pandemic, the need of the actors in this cultural field for exchange, international cooperation and speaking with a common voice grew once again", says Huber.
"Despite these challenging times we succeeded in restructuring our organisation, expanding the network and securing even closer relationships with valued associates", he goes on. "I look forward to continuing to use my strength and experience for this purpose – together with our members and the new Yourope team".
Schmidt adds: "I have identified with this institution from the beginning and travelled all over Europe with and for Yourope. To talk about festivals, to give festivals the opportunity to exchange, and above all to get to know and experience festivals and their philosophy. I couldn't be prouder and happier to be trusted to take on this new role for Yourope and to continue to work on those issues that are close to my heart. And to do so from my hometown, which means a lot to me".