The International Street Theatre Festival vzw (ISTF) originated in 1990 and belongs to the most important festival organizers in Europe, with the organisation of unique festivals in different Flemish towns: ‘Mira Miro’ in Ghent (24-27 July 2008), ‘Leuven in Scène’ commissioned by Leuvenement vzw in Louvain…

The International Street theatre Festival vzw offers a stage to a number of art forms: Street and circus arts, theatre on location, installations, plastic arts, dance… from intimate shows to big mass events. Anything is possible, as long as it takes place outside the traditional theatre room. Our festivals offer the audience a qualitative and surprising program. Because of the unique and contemporary nature of our organisation we seek constant innovation. Moving boundaries through creation. That’s why the international street theatre festival actively supports the development of new ideas and young, talented artists through COAST (Creation and development workshop for street arts). Since many years we strive for the recognition of these sometimes unconventional arts with the big audience and the governments. Everyone has the right to enjoy art and culture, that’s why the International Street theatre festival chooses for a wide audience. This all for one simple purpose: bringing people together in shared amazement.

The festival is subsidized by the Flemish government, the province of East-Flanders and the city of Ghent.

Besides the organisation of the festivals ISTF also has an extensive archive and documentation centre SAIL (Street Arts Information Library), about arts in the public space and the circus arts. ISTF also plays important roles in several European networks.