Niansa
SENZOR institute
Slovenia
Amid growing societal polarization, Niansa by Senzor Institute creates spaces where people slow down, listen and meet one another with openness. Through experimental music, sound art, participatory workshops and community gatherings in nature, the festival fosters empathy, curiosity and dialogue, supports minority and emerging artists and encourages civic reflection, media literacy, promotes ecological awareness and socially cohesive cultural experiences.
By combining artistic practice, collective listening and engagement with nature, Niansa becomes a temporary community experience.
Niansa, an interdisciplinary art festival that explores how sound, nature and collective participation strengthen social connection. Set in Rakov Škocjan, it invites artists, researchers and participants to engage in deep listening - both to the environment and each other - creating spaces where curiosity replaces fear. The program includes music performances, site-specific art installations, participatory workshops such as the theater of the oppressed, foraging, authentic body movement and sound walks. Daily morning assemblies encourage dialogue on art, ecology, media and social inclusion, bringing together educators, artists, journalists and audiences to reflect on misinformation and media literacy. Senzor Institute operates through collective and democratic decision-making, reflecting its commitment to shared responsibility and inclusive cultural practice. The festival is developed with the LGBTQ+ rights organisation TransAkcija ensuring marginalized voices are represented and the festival remains safe and welcoming, and the social-cultural organization KUD Transformator, strengthening diverse participation and reflection through theater techniques.