EU BUSHFIRE SCHOOLS FESTIVAL 2026 OPEN DAY APPLICATION FORM

Overview

The European Union Bushfire Schools Festival invites secondary schools, high schools and out-of-school arts and youth clubs across Eswatini to apply for the opportunity to participate in the 15th edition of this 1-day event of creative action, arts showcases and empowerment. The event will be held on Thursday, 28 May 2026 at House On Fire in Malkerns.

The Schools Festival Open Day brings together learners and educators from across the country for a national platform of creative learning, peer exchange, and artistic expression, centred on an annual theme that connects the arts to real-world issues and future opportunities.

 Applications open: 9 February 2026
 Applications close: 9 March 2026

All applications must clearly respond to the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival theme:

Art in Action. Future in the Making.

This theme recognises the power of art and creativity as active tools for learning, problem-solving, dialogue, and positive change. Applicants are encouraged to show how students are putting creativity into action, rather than presenting art only as a finished product.

Projects should demonstrate how creative processes help learners think critically, collaborate and communicate, express ideas and perspectives, and boldly imagine future possibilities -for themselves and for Eswatini.

Teachers are encouraged to support students in developing work that reflects student voice, participation, and learning-by-doing, while allowing young people to take ownership of their ideas and creative direction.

The EU Bushfire Schools Festival welcomes applications that demonstrate commitment, creativity, and collaboration across a range of disciplines, including:

• Music
• Contemporary and traditional dance
• Drama and theatre
• Poetry and spoken word
• Visual arts and craft
• Technology and creative innovation

Selected groups will take part in a blended, peer-performance-based programme, featuring performances, exhibitions, workshops, and shared learning experiences with students and teachers from across Eswatini.

Due to the high number of applications received each year, not all schools or youth groups will be selected. A limited number of groups will be chosen to ensure broad regional, institutional, and demographic representation.

Successful applicants will be notified by 20 March 2026.

Application Categories

Schools and groups may apply under one of the following categories:

1. Showcase Performance or Artwork
This category is for schools or groups wishing to perform or showcase creative work that responds to the 2026 theme, Art in Action. Future in the Making.

Applicants may apply to:

• present a live performance (e.g. music, dance, drama, poetry), or
• exhibit visual artwork, craft, or creative technology projects.

Selected schools or groups may have the opportunity to perform on stage or exhibit their work during the EU Bushfire Schools Festival Open Day.
*Please note that some groups may be invited to participate in the festival without performing or exhibiting, in order to take part in workshops, learning exchanges, and other programme activities.

2. Develop Your Arts Programme
This category is open to schools or groups that:

• are establishing a new arts club or creative group, or
• have a young or developing arts programme they wish to strengthen.

Applicants should outline how participation in the EU Bushfire Schools Festival will help support: creativity and self-expression, confidence and participation, or skills development and future artistic growth.

This category is especially suited to schools and groups that see the festival as an opportunity for learning, inspiration, and programme development, rather than performance alone.

 
Attachments and Submission
All required attachments must be clearly titled with the name of the school or group.

Attachments should be submitted before the application closing date of 9 March 2026, using one of the following methods:

• Email: schools@bush-fire.com
• WhatsApp: EU Bushfire Schools Assistant, Wiseman Masika – 7815 5725

 Other Requirements  

• Applicants must be available to attend the EU Bushfire Schools Festival Open Day on Thursday, 28 May 2026.
• Participating groups are expected to arrive at the festival grounds, House on Fire, Malkerns, by 07:30 and depart by 16:00.
• Participants must be aged between 13 and 30 years.
• Each group may include a maximum of 15 participants.
  •  In the case of schools, each group must be accompanied by one teacher
  • IN SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES SCHOOLS MAY APPLY TO BRING MORE THAN ONE TEACHER.
• If your application is successful, the EU Bushfire Schools Festival will provide:
  •  transport to and from the festival,
  • meals on the day, and
  • other festival-related logistical support.
• Please note that the EU Bushfire Schools Festival does not cover the costs of performance or exhibition resources, including (but not limited to) costumes, materials, props, or any other items required for performances or displays.

*For any questions please contact Mangisi, Schools Liaison 76505423

Applicants are encouraged to describe:

• the idea or issue their students want to explore
• how creativity is being used as action (learning, problem-solving, expression)what students hope to gain from participation

After selecting your application category  below, you will be asked to complete additional questions specific to that category.

We welcome applications in:

• Music
• Contemporary and traditional dance
• Drama and theatre
• Poetry and spoken word
• Visual arts and craft
• Creative technology and innovative projects

All artworks must be safe to transport and display throughout the Schools Festival.

Preference will be given to submissions that clearly respond to the 2026 theme:
 Art in Action. Future in the Making.

Schools or groups applying under this category will participate fully in the day’s learning activities, but will not perform or exhibit at the festival.