IDEA – A Global Community of Drama/Theater and Education
WHAT IS IDEA
IDEA is an international not for profit association. It is the peak body for drama/theatre and education. It operates across time zones, countries and cultures.
IDEA is open to national, regional and international associations and to other institutes, bodies, networks, organisation and individuals working in drama/theatre and education.
IDEA is an open and inclusive association. IDEA opposes discrimination on the basis of race, colour, national origin, language, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age or disability.
NEWS
Recording of the webinar “Drama/Theatre Education in Action for Peace”
Recording of the webinar held on Saturday, May 30th, as a celebration of UNESCO Culture & Arts Education Week is now available on YouTube! https://youtu.be/rC9UcrBEC84?si=apri8NSMQVXXvNh3
UNESCO Culture & Arts Education Week (May 25-31): Arts Education in Action for Peace
As part of UNESCO Culture and Arts Education Week 2026 (May 25–31), the World Alliance for Arts Education (WAAE) will host a series of international webinar panel discussions on the theme “Arts...
IDEA is part of HORIZONS PROJECT “Civic Stage”!
After many years of trying to get additional funding for our association we are happy to announce that IDEA will be involved as a partner in an important and complex EU Horizons Project that we have...
IDEA WEBINAR: Socially Engaged Theatre: Practices & Future Directions now on YouTube!
Didn't get a chance to participate in our webinar Socially Engaged Theatre: Practices and Future Directions last Saturday? The webinar is now available on our YouTube channel!...
CALL FOR NOMINATIONS for the first ever IDEA AWARDS!
Dear members of IDEA, We are proud to give out the CALL FOR NOMINATIONS for the first ever IDEA AWARDS! The IDEA Awards recognise excellence, service and innovation in drama theatre...
SAVE THE DATE: IDEA World Congress 2027 in Ankara
The 11th International Drama/Theatre and Education World Congress will be held from 20th to 25th July 2027 in Ankara, Türkiye. The Congress is hosted by IDEA member from Türkiye, Çağdaş Drama...
WHAT IDEA DOES?
In overview, IDEA promotes and supports drama/ theatre and education through:
• Communication: Web page and social media
• General Council Meetings
• Publications
• Projects
• Research and Special Interest Groups
• Congress and events
• IDEA collaborations – World Alliance for Arts Education and others
THE IDEA STORY
IDEA was formed at the first congress held in July 1992 in Oporto, Portugal.
Working parties developed the constitution and the congress elected Maria van Bakelen as the first President.
The association was registered in Portugal in 1994 and the five official names (reflecting the five languages of IDEA) are:
English: International Drama/Theatre and Education Association Portuguese: Associação Internacional de Teatro Educação
French : Association Internationale Théâtre et Éducation
Spanish: Associación Internacional Teatro y Educación
Chinese: 国际戏剧和教育协会
One of the main activities of IDEA are its Congresses.
IDEA Congresses have been held every three years since 1992:
1995 Brisbane, Australia hosted by Drama Australia;
1998 Kisumu, Kenya, hosted by KDEA;
2001 Bergen, Norway, hosted by LDS;
2004 Ottawa, Canada, hosted by Theatre Canada;
2007 Hong Kong SAR China, hosted by TEFO;
2010 Belém, Brasil hosted by ABRA;
2013 Paris, France, hosted by ANRAT;
2022 Reykjavik, Iceland hosted by FLISS;
2024 Beijing, China, hosted by IDEAC.
IDEA has long advocated for drama, theatre and education through meetings, congresses, publications and interchanges of people. IDEA knows no boundaries and encourages the development and support of drama and theatre as being integral to a full education.
(Hi)Story of IDEA Webinars_5.5.22.by Adriana Nichting