17–20 September 2026
22nd MitOst Festival
Armenia
MitOst Festival 2026
Democratic Resilience in Practice: Civil Society Between Transformation and Uncertainty
The 22nd MitOst Festival goes to Armenia from 17–20 September, 2026!
For two years we tried out a more intimate, smaller gathering concept – MitMission Lindow (2023) and MitMission Hop in Germany, Ukraine and Armenia (2024). Through these experiences, one thing became clear: the Festival is the heart of MitOst, and MitOst truly comes alive when we meet in person.
We are excited to bring back the 21st International MitOst Festival in its original format.
Local Hosts
EcoHub Foundation aims to foster active citizenship, democratic governance, and sustainable development in Armenia by empowering young people from the regions who have limited access to such opportunities.
EcoHub’s main program areas focus on youth empowerment through non-formal, peer-to-peer training in citizenship and education for sustainable development. A key initiative is Boo Alternative House, a sustainable and eco-friendly training space, community center, and tourist attraction located in the Lori region.
EcoHub also works closely with the Vanadzor local government and contributes to the town’s development strategies, including projects on public space revitalization and the regeneration of former industrial zones. One of the major concepts initiated by EcoHub is the Green Iron Vanadzor microfiber plant revitalization concept.
Their commitment to its mission and vision has led to numerous sustainable and impactful outcomes, including:
– a handbook on Education for Sustainable Development and Active Citizenship
– a publication on Participatory Placemaking in Armenia
– a guide on Social Entrepreneurship for CSOs
– a growing network of local facilitators, mentors, and volunteers.
About MitOst
The 22nd MitOst Festival goes to Armenia from 17–20 September, 2026!
Founded in 1996, MitOst is an international network bringing together people and organisations committed to social change, cultural exchange, active citizenship, social cohesion, and sustainable urban and rural development. Today, MitOst connects a diverse community of more than 1000 members across over 40 countries, working in fields such as culture, education, civic engagement, and sustainability.
MitOst members actively contribute to advancing the association’s mission, shaping its strategic development and initiating collaborative projects with local and cross-border impact. Through these shared practices, MitOst creates spaces for learning, experimentation, and solidarity, supporting initiatives that strengthen communities, foster dialogue, and imagine alternative futures together.
Monetary based Membership
Symbolizing an active commitment to the network, all proceeds from members' fees cover expenses that are important for our function but can't be covered by project budgets. This type of Membership amounts to an annual contribution of 150€, as of the General Members’ Assembly on November 28, 2024.
Participatory based Membership
In the safe networking environment we envision, we have explored various contributions that add value to our network. While financial means are crucial to supporting our work, we strongly believe in the power of knowledge, time, and efforts towards the collective coordination of the Network.
Alternatively, to the monetary contribution, institutional members are encouraged to practice one of the following:
- Participation in the Executive Board (3 years)
- Hosting a (thematic) Circle (minimum 1 year)
- Design and facilitation of events and workshops for the Network needs (minimum 1 event/workshop per year)
- Hosting a local event for the Network (minimum 1 event per year)
- Offering (local) space for the needs of MitOst members (minimum 50h per year)
- Other in kind offers.
- Access to a community of close-knit people, activists and practitioners who cooperate gladly together
- Being a part of a systemic effort to create safer spaces for collaborations
- Interacting and communicating in a non-transactional way, based on values – you give what you can and take what’s possible, depending on individual or organizational capacities and resources
- Entry point to an extensive but comprehensive network of organizations for good and tangible partnerships
- Moving in a pre-set network structure that is at the same time flexible and open for co-creation.
Program
We’re co-creating a Festival that blends the MitOst spirit with Moldova’s unique social and cultural landscape. We’re grateful to EcoVisio for curating such a diverse set of activities.
Below you’ll find some program highlights. The full program, including locations and timestamps, will be shared closer to the Festival, once we’ve also included contributions from participants who wish to host a session or workshop.
✺ Thursday, October 2
For those arriving early, we’ll kick things off with guided city walks through Chișinău to get to know the city and each other. The evening will mark the official Festival opening, followed by a welcome party to celebrate the start of our days together.
✺ Friday, October 3
We’ll start the morning with a special MitOst Session hosted by the Executive Board (more information below), followed by the first round of workshops—from exploring Piața Centrală to discovering Chișinău’s alternative art scene. The second and third workshop rounds continue throughout the day, including a session on Moldova’s recent election outcomes, hosted by the Konrad Adenauer Stiftung.
In the afternoon and evening, our classic Football Tournament of Friendship will take place, followed by a wine tasting session and a film projection. We’ll close the day together with another proper MitOst party!
✺ Saturday, October 4
The day will start with another round of workshops in Chișinău before heading together to Riscova. There, we’ll share a community lunch at the Eco-Village, part of Ecovisio’s spaces, and join a guided walk to the Potato Fest. The afternoon continues with an Open Space for exchange and creativity, followed by another Festival staple – the Tombola. Don’t forget to bring a small gift if you’d like to participate. In the evening, we’ll enjoy a concert in Rîșcova before returning to Chișinău for our final party.
✺ Sunday, October 5
For those staying a bit longer, the final day is a chance to wind down together. Options include a relaxed bike tour through Chișinău or an excursion to Tiraspol for those eager to explore further before heading home.
MitOst Session: Invitation from the Board
On Friday, 3 October 2025, from 10:00-12:30, the MitOst Board invites you to a special retrospective session. As this Board’s term will come to an end in November 2025, board members will talk about their experience of the past three years. Afterwards, the conversation will include participants too, on the following topics proposed by the board:
✺ The new Membership Model: How has it worked so far? How can we make it even more open, accessible, and useful for our community?
✺ The next three years of MitOst: How could MitOst look in three years from now? How does our community support our work and vision? How can we prepare for the next General Assembly, happening in November 2025, and the next board?
✺ MitOst public positioning: Should MitOst take a public position about different crises happening in the world today? How can we develop a common statement?
This agenda is indicative and open to more subjects that make sense to our community. We hope you see you in this session and hear your insights!
Learning with and from each other
Impression from the 20th International MitOst Festival in Maribor, 2022
Photo: Agata Maziarz
Festival Staples
Tombola
Whether you are acquainted with our Tombola, or are new to the concept, we assure you that it is always fun participating. It a great chance to connect with Festival participants in a playful and informal atmosphere, and if you’re lucky, you get back with a gift home!
We will be selling lots during the Festival. Please remember, in order to participate you have to bring a small gift. You are eligible to buy as many lots as you want, that way it will increase your chances to win. The winners of the Tombola will be announced in a special evening party during the Festival. More information to come soon!
Football Tournament
The Football Tournament will be rolling once again! As in past years, teams will go head-to-head in the competition for the Cup of Friendship.
Don’t forget to bring your sportswear, water bottles and a towel – the pitch is waiting for you! Details about registration and team sign-ups will be shared soon.
A chance to connect
Impression from the 20th International MitOst Festival in Maribor, 2022
Photo: Agata Maziarz
Fees & Registration
Please read carefully the information on you need about fees, deadlines, and how to secure your spot. Your Participation Fee depends on the self-assessment of your income level and your accommodation category.
All Participation Fees include:
- Accommodation for three nights
- Access to the full program
- Breakfast and dinner
Early Bird, available until 1 May 2026
Hotel (shared room): 200€
Hotel (single room): 300€
Low-income rate:Hotel (shared room): 150€
Normal rate, 2 May–1 July
Hotel (shared room): 300€
Hotel (single room): 500€
Low-income rate:
Hotel (shared room): 200€
Important information
Travel costs are not covered in your Participation Fee.
If you would like to cover accommodation on your own, your Participation Fee will amount to a Solidarity Fee of 30€ covering only program costs.
- We accept only pre-payments through bank transfers or PayPal. Please use PayPal only if a direct bank transfer is not possible, and make sure to process your payment within 14 days after registration. Your spot is secured only when we receive the payment. Find the details below.
Payment information
Bank Transfer
MitOst e.V.
IBAN: DE13 4306 0967 1176 9528 00
BIC/SWIFT: GENODEM1GLS
Subject: MitOst Festival 2026, Your Name
PayPal: paypal@mitost.org
Subject: MitOst Festival 2026, Your Name
A place of cultural exchange
Impression from the 20th International MitOst Festival in Maribor, 2022
Photo: Agata Maziarz
Travel Fund
We want to make sure that all community members who wish to join the Festival have an equal opportunity to do so. Thanks to our Travel Solidarity Fund, we offer support for travel costs for those who need it.
We understand that travel costs from various parts of the world differ and might become an obstacle to participation. We trust each other and leave it in your hands to decide whether and how much support you need.
If you’d like to apply, let us know when registering. If you find yourself in a position where you could support another member through a donation to the Solidarity Travel Fund, we would be very grateful for your contribution!
The registration form will allow you to communicate your needs with us.
Celebrating international collaboration
Impression from the 20th International MitOst Festival in Maribor, 2022
Photo: Agata Maziarz
Experiencing cultural diversity
Impression from the 20th International MitOst Festival in Maribor, 2022
Photo: Agata Maziarz
