Why Colombiage?

Colombiage is inspired by the need to show the best of Colombia through its talent in music, film and literature - three of our richest and most powerful sources of expression.

The festival was conceived as an alternative space for stimulating dialogues between Colombian and UK-based audiences, a space that would inspire new types of collaboration, encounters and discoveries.

The unquestionable success of the first edition of Colombiage last November not only ascertained that audiences around the world are ready to learn something new about a culture that has long-been associated with negative stereotypes but it also confirmed our deep-rooted belief that Colombia has the potential to become a major cultural force on the international stage.

And while Colombiage salutes the likes of Shakira, Juanes, Marquez and Botero, we really want audiences to make discoveries of new voices and to pick up on anything they may have missed over the past few years.

This is why every year we are committed to developing a programme of outstanding music, film and literature, celebrating the richness and diversity of Colombian culture today.

Here we have Colombia – a country going through what is arguably one of the most exciting times in the history of its arts scene – and England, a country that is proudly and forever embracing diversity.

Colombiage aims to bring these two cultures together through a sustainable platform of intercultural exchange, which gives London audiences a new point of reference for Colombia and Colombians living in London an opportunity to reconnect with their country’s culture.