SEGNI Festival - ForesTEEN Academy

An island festival, between theatre and nature

SEGNI Festival - ForesTEEN Academy is an international cultural event held on Isola del Giglio, in the municipality of Isola del Giglio, in the province of Grosseto (Tuscany). The event is promoted by the Segni d'infanzia Association of Mantua, a historic institution in youth theatre and performing arts for new generations, and the lead partner of the European ForesTEEN project, which brings together ten cultural organisations from different countries. The event is co-funded by the European Commission's Creative Europe programme.

The philosophy: art, community, and intergenerational dialogue

The heart of the ForesTEEN Academy is the encounter between an international delegation of young people aged 15 to 25 and the Giglio community. Here, art is not an external element imposed from above, but a tool to discover the territory, break down generational barriers, and stimulate active participation in local cultural life. Activities take place in the island's iconic locations: the Pineta del Castello, the squares of Giglio Castello, and the scenic trails connecting Capel Rosso, Fenaio, and Scopeto.

Site-specific performances and trekking-discussions

The programme alternates between site-specific shows designed for the island's natural spaces, creative workshops open to children and teenagers, and the characteristic Trekking Discussions: intergenerational dialogues held during hikes along the trails, where physical movement becomes a metaphor for collective reflection. These are complemented by the convivial moments of the TEEN Kitchen Table and meetings with artists, researchers, and cultural professionals.

A European network at Giglio

Each edition welcomes over twenty participants from numerous European countries, accompanied by theatre companies and visual artists. The ForesTEEN Academy represents one of the most original experiences in the cultural landscape of the Maremma and the Tuscan islands: a widespread festival that enhances the natural heritage of Isola del Giglio by transforming it into a shared stage.

When and where

The festival is traditionally held around April 25th, a period that bridges Liberation Day and the start of the island's spring season. Public activities are free and open to residents and tourists, with technical support from the Maregiglio shipping company for maritime connections.