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Kate Werner – EJN Staff Exchange 2025
Sending EJN member: Wytwórnia Foundation (Poland)
Hosting EJN member: Jazzfestival Saalfelden (Austria)
Dates of the exchange: 18–25 August 2025
My staff exchange at Jazzfestival Saalfelden was an incredible experience that allowed me to dive into many aspects of festival life.
From the very first day, I felt welcomed and supported by Daniela, Mario, and the entire festival team. I received a comprehensive presentation on how the festival operates throughout the year and was encouraged to ask questions in order to fully understand the long-term processes involved. I learned a great deal about building the festival line-up, fundraising, and sustainability initiatives, which was particularly helpful in preparing me for my activities during the festival.
The main focus of my exchange was to assist the festival team with artist coordination during the festival days and to take part in the We Hike Jazz concerts. Even before the festival officially began, I had the opportunity to observe and contribute to behind-the-scenes work, engaging in a variety of tasks such as setting up the VIP area, distributing snacks, and creating festival pins for the merchandise team.
What I enjoyed most, and what is also at the core of my daily work, was being close to the artists and responding to their needs and questions. My favourite day was the We Hike Jazz experience, where artists carry their instruments up a mountain and perform in nature between short hikes with the audience. These moments were truly inspiring and brought me a great deal of joy. I also appreciated the chance to experience many outstanding concerts and to observe the festival atmosphere from multiple perspectives.
I am deeply grateful to Daniela, Mario, and the entire Jazzfestival Saalfelden team for the opportunity to fully immerse myself in the festival. I sincerely hope that my participation contributed to the festival, even in a small way, as much as it inspired me.
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