This year, EXIT Festival and EXIT Foundation are joining forces with the renowned European performance troupe La Fura dels Baus – known for its participation in the opening of the Olympic Games, and a part of one of the leading European festivals – the Portuguese Boom Festival, along with the Dutch organization Green Events, which deals with the introduction of environmental and social changes in the event industry, and the Sea Star Festival in Umag. With joint forces and united creativity, they will present to the audience a unique large-scale artistic performance called “Emergency EXIT”.
“Since ancient times, people have used art and culture to bring order and give meaning to the world. Through beauty and aesthetics, art has connected us to the divine, the universe and the hidden dimensions of nature. In the ‘Emergency EXIT’ project, we use art in its noblest form – to raise awareness and share clear principles through creative expression“, said Artur Mendes, one of the directors of the Boom Festival.
“Emergency EXIT” engages the senses, evokes emotions and prompts to action. This is a powerful performance that combines contemporary performing arts, music, visual arts, and direct interaction with the audience. The world’s most prestigious artists will join forces to send a powerful message in front of tens of thousands of visitors: “Peace on Earth, Peace with Earth.“
“The performance addresses everyone – visitors, performers, festival workers, sponsors, volunteers, to join the signing of the Manifesto for the Salvation of the Planet, calls for action that will be developing during lifespan the project ‘Emergency EXIT’, of which it is a part, supported by the European Union through the Creative Europe programme“, says Ida Siljanović, Project Manager of the “Emergency EXIT” project and Programme Manager of EXIT Foundation.
In the times of clear climate changes and the consequences they bring, when the future and preservation of our planet is in focus, art is taking a leading role in awakening environmental awareness and calling for a change in global treatment of nature. The festival sector, as a platform for gathering and action, is no exception.
“The entertainment industry and festivals have a truly global reach, bringing people together from all over the world to celebrate through music and dance. Festivals are spaces of joy and connection—making them a natural platform for sharing meaningful messages. Why not combine celebration with education and a higher purpose?“, says Guillem Ruiz, International promoter and creative consultant.
“Emergency EXIT” is more than an art event – it is a movement that connects artists, festivals, communities, and audiences around the world through an appeal for environmental protection. With powerful visual and musical messages, festival goers will be encouraged to reflect on the consequences of global warming, loss of biodiversity and the responsibilities we all carry.
“Emergency Exit operates within four different festival industries. Behind the scenes, each show will test, learn, and demonstrate the impact of local sourcing and using future-proof materials. And in so doing, it’s a chance to push forward the bar of what a future-proof performance can achieve“, says Luise Haertel, Project Manager at Green Events.
“Art—especially live performances—can offer catharsis and understanding without the audience having to live the experience themselves. It is a powerful tool for sparking social progress and change. In today’s world, with issues like climate change and social inequality, it is easy to feel overwhelmed. But rather than feeling powerless, we should focus on small, positive steps. It is not about doing everything at once but about shifting the narrative toward hope and gradual progres,” say Pera Tantiñá and Àgata Tantinyà, Director and Art Director from La Fura dels Baus, artistically coordinating the creation of the performance.
This event is the first performance of its kind in Europe – entertaining, educational, touching, and inspiring, and after the world premiere at EXIT, it will continue to travel around Europe. The second performance will be at the Boom Festival in July 2025 in Portugal, at the Sea Star Festival in May 2026 in Umag, as well as in July 2026 in Barcelona, carrying a message of sustainability and hope on the journey for preservation of our planet.
