AIF and BAFA MOU covers events, reports, access and representation across sectors.

The Association of Independent Festivals (AIF) has forged an alliance with the British Arts Festivals Association (BAFA) that will see the two trade bodies work together across events, data analysis, representation, training, resources and more.

AIF and BAFA have signed a Memorandum of Understanding based on shared objectives to the benefit of both memberships – with AIF serving the independent music festival sector and BAFA representing multi-arts cultural events.

Through the MOU, both AIF and BAFA have committed to:

1. Host twice-yearly online member meetings that bring festival members of both organisations together to learn, share and connect.

2. Work together to deliver in-person events in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

3. Publish joint reports on the state of the festival sector.

4. Support each other in increasing representation at sector meetings and increasing information flow between industry and public sector bodies.

5. Establish shared data points for surveying and reporting to members on trends that will help improve decision making and event sustainability.

6. Produce shared resources and deliver shared training for members.

7. Offer cross-party access to BAFA Conference and AIF Congress.

8. Work together to grow and support the music and arts festival sector in the UK.

AIF CEO John Rostron said: “AIF’s membership is based on collaboration and cooperation between those working in the independent festival market, and this alliance with the wider multi-arts festival sector is an extension of that philosophy. There is already some significant crossover between our memberships. By working more intentionally together, we will all benefit from a greater diversity of insight, experience and expertise.”

BAFA Director Fiona Goh said: ”BAFA exists to provide insight, inspiration and connection for the arts festivals community through the networking, training, advocacy and support that we offer. Our members create extraordinary work across the UK, and partnership supercharges that work, transforming what’s possible. We’re looking forward to BAFA and AIF working together more strategically in the future to the benefit of the whole festival sector.”