The 23rd World Congress of our Federation is fast approaching. Held every four years, this event is key for FIA: it’s the one moment when all our affiliates come together, take charge of our organisation, and map out the priorities that will guide our political and union work in the years ahead. For several days, our members will discuss the major challenges facing performers worldwide and set the course for our future action.
Nearly 150 delegates from more than 61 countries, representing every continent, will gather in Birmingham, UK. This diversity will enrich our debates, strengthen exchanges between unions, and help build an ambitious work plan that reflects national realities and the specific challenges affecting our members in different ways. With 85 affiliated unions and associations, FIA has a responsibility to be the united voice of performers at the international level — a voice that listens, brings people together, offers ideas, and takes action on the issues that matter most to its members.
In a world that’s increasingly divided — marked by the rise of the far right, growing intolerance, homophobia, racism, and deep challenges to the humanist values that underpin our democracies — our unity is more important than ever. At the same time, technological shifts, especially around artificial intelligence, are reshaping artistic creation and opening up a new chapter where machines could compete with human creativity. Against this backdrop, our Congress will be a vital moment of resistance and solidarity. Together, we’ll stand up for values of tolerance, respect and social justice — values that are essential to building a future worthy of humanity in all its diversity.
Hosted by Equity, our UK affiliate, this Congress is also a chance to renew our commitment to international unionism and the global struggle for workers’ rights. The 2025 Congress logo pays tribute to Birmingham’s industrial heritage and the workers’ movements that won essential social rights — a reminder that no society can be truly sustainable if it sacrifices the legitimate hopes of the people who contribute to its wealth. While we represent performers, we never forget that they are, above all, workers: creative workers, yes — but workers who deserve the same respect, protections and decent conditions as anyone else.
The 23rd FIA World Congress will take place from 12 to 15 November 2025 in Birmingham. It will also be an opportunity to renew our leadership bodies. We strongly encourage any member organisations that haven’t yet registered to do so as soon as possible and by 30 September 2025 at the very latest and to visit our website where more information will be shared in the months ahead. We’re deeply grateful to ADAMI (France) and AISGE (Spain)for their generous support, which will help us provide financial assistance to those who might not otherwise be able to take part in this important event.
The motions that will shape our discussions have been gathered, and the Secretariat — working closely with our Presidium and Equity — is putting together a rich and engaging programme. This will be our first in-person Congress since 2016, after the 2021 edition had to be held entirely online because of the unprecedented health crisis that hit our sector so hard.
We look forward to welcoming all our members — both longstanding and new — to Birmingham for this important moment of union democracy and collective action. Together, let’s ensure the voice of performers continues to be heard around the world!
Visit the FIA Congress Page here
