IBSA in partnership with Pickle Factory Dance Foundation and Glenburn Penthouse presented ‘Festival Fever’ – a conversation between international arts consultant Nelson Fernandez from London and artist-curator-consultant Vikram Iyengar from Kolkata on 11th February, 2026. The discussion moderated by writer, editor and translator Anjum Katyal, focussed on the importance and impact of performing arts festivals in our current times, drawing from international examples from the UK and South Africa as well as festivals closer to home in Goa and our own festival-mad city. The animated conversation brought in questions of what makes a good festival, how a festival can remain locally and globally relevant, and – very importantly – sustainable. A central idea was the oft-overlooked capacity of intensive arts experiences to bring together communities, cement relationships, and reconnect us all with our humanity.