Baku: The second Baku International Arts Festival (BIAF) is set to take place in Baku from October 28 to November 8, 2026. The festival, supported by the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and the Ministry of Culture of the Republic of Azerbaijan, will feature an array of dance, drama, and music events across various genres.
According to Azerbaijan State News Agency, the festival program will encompass over 20 events, including concerts, ballet and theatre productions, film screenings, meet-the-artist sessions, and masterclasses. This international gathering will unite masters of art and creative ensembles from Azerbaijan, Great Britain, Israel, Canada, Monaco, Russia, the USA, France, and several other nations. The festival's official website, www.biaf.az, will provide further details and the complete program.
A key focus of this year's festival is fostering collaborations between renowned international artists and Azerbaijani performers, ensembles, and educational institutions. Participating institutions include the Baku Choreography Academy, the Azerbaijan State Academic Opera and Ballet Theatre, the Baku Music Academy, the Azerbaijan State University of Culture and Arts, the Azerbaijan State Symphony Orchestra, and the Azerbaijan State Chamber Orchestra.
The main events of BIAF will be hosted at several iconic venues in Baku, including The Muslim Magomayev Azerbaijan State Academic Philharmonic Hall, the Azerbaijan National Drama Theatre, the Azerbaijan State Musical Theatre, the Heydar Aliyev Palace, and the historic Icherisheher (Baku Old City).
A highlight of the festival will be 'Thikra: Night of Remembering,' a new work by director and choreographer Akram Khan. This production blends classical Indian dance (kathak) with contemporary dance and features costume and visual design by Saudi visual artist Manal AlDowayan. First premiered in Wadi AlFann, AlUla, in January 2025, the production explores themes of memory and rituals.
The music program of BIAF 2026 will honor the 120th anniversary of composer Dmitri Shostakovich, who had close ties to Azerbaijan. Notable performances include a project by South African artist William Kentridge, interpreting Shostakovich's Symphony No. 10. The BIAF Festival Orchestra, conducted by violinist Dmitry Sitkovetsky, will perform the symphony.
In 2025, BIAF showcased over 20 events featuring artists from around the world, with visitors experiencing works by renowned figures such as Robert Lepage and Sharon Eyal. Inspired by global festival projects, BIAF aims to establish a modern, international cultural platform in Baku, a city known for bridging East and West.