Etxepare Basque Institute and Malandain Ballet Biarritz sign a collaboration agreement

At a ceremony held today in Biarritz, the Etxepare Basque Institute and the Malandain Ballet Biarritz dance company signed an agreement to work together. The primary objective of the agreement is to establish a framework for collaboration, with a particular focus on strengthening and promoting Basque culture.

The agreement was signed by Irene Larraza, director of the Etxepare Basque Institute, and Yves Kordian, deputy director of Malandain Ballet Biarritz.

Basque presence at the Maitaldia festival - Le temps d´aimer la danse

The bilateral agreement will guarantee a presence for Basque companies at Maitaldia 2025 – Le temps d´aimer la danse, which will take place from 5 to 15 September. Maitaldia is a classical and contemporary dance festival that brings together professionals and programmers from across the country. It is therefore a magnificent opportunity for dance companies to showcase their work nationally.

Additionally, this edition will include a professional conference on September 6, focused on providing insights into the current state of the Basque ecosystem and promoting cross-border collaboration.

Ça colle au basque

The agreement is part of Ça colle au basque. The goal of this initiative is to promote Basque culture in the French-speaking world, with the aim of raising awareness of the Basque language and culture in French-speaking countries.

Another of the initiative´s main objectives is to raise the profile of the Basque language in French-speaking countries and create synergies between creators and universities to encourage the study of Basque in academia.