11th European Jazz Conference: Somewhere Called Home
25-28 September 2025, Bari, Italy
Nestling along the Adriatic coast of the South of Italy, Bari is a city where history, culture, and creativity come alive - making it the perfect destination for our annual gathering.
A port city at the heart of the Mediterranean, Bari has a long history of hosting and welcoming individuals, demonstrating hospitality and solidarity during various periods of migration. As a gateway to Europe, the city has received refugees from diverse regions, showcasing the openness and generosity of its local community. This unique cultural and historical context makes Bari an ideal location for addressing the theme of this year’s conference: the positive contribution that migrants - and global movements of people - have played in the development of culture and diversity, and the vital role that culture must play in tackling the present societal challenges. The conference’s title, “Somewhere Called Home”, inspired by Norma Winstone’s 1987 ECM album, captures this theme, reflecting the universal search for belonging, and the profound connections that music can create.
The theme for the 2025 edition highlights the transformative potential of cultural initiatives in addressing pressing global challenges. It aims to inspire action, reaffirm our shared human values, and demonstrate how arts and culture can foster inclusion, solidarity, and resilience within diverse societies. Creative music - and jazz in particular - offers a powerful example of how we can build thriving communities based on our shared values, while helping us understand and navigate the complex dynamics now present in Europe, and the world at large.
Co-organised by the Europe Jazz Network in collaboration with EJN member Puglia Sounds, the project of Puglia Culture promoted by the Puglia Region, the European Jazz Conference is a leading event for jazz professionals from across Europe and beyond. Each year, the conference brings together promoters, agents, managers, artists, and cultural institutions to exchange ideas, build networks, and explore innovative approaches to presenting jazz and creative music.
Mark your calendars and join us in Bari for an unforgettable celebration of music, creativity, and collaboration. Together, let's continue to inspire, innovate, and grow the vibrant world of jazz and creative music in Europe.
