Some of the most exciting names in contemporary art, music and culture are coming together in Paris this week. As Art Basel returns to the French capital, Reference Festival makes its Paris debut with a programme that brings together figures from across the creative scene. From FKA twigs and Eartheater to Richie Hawtin, Gabriel Moses and Blackhaine, the four-day programme spans performances, installations, conversations and late-night club sessions. Running from October 22 to 25, with several satellite events scheduled earlier in the week, the festival presents Freie Kunst, a programme that considers artistic freedom across disciplines.
Founded in Berlin in 2019 by Mumi Haïati, Reference Festival has long explored what happens when people from different creative worlds come together. Following its Berlin Art Week edition, it now turns to Paris. The programme unfolds across several locations, including Dover Street Market Paris, Silencio and the Reference Showroom. Much of the activity will take place at FVTVR, the nightclub founded by Arnaud Frisch on the banks of the Seine, where the schedule moves between live performances, installations and club nights.
Thursday brings Munky of KoЯn to Dover Street Market Paris for a meet-and-greet and merchandise signing featuring designs by Kolya Nemoi and Bjarne Melgaard. On Friday, Eartheater, who previously graced the cover of METAL, takes to the stage at FVTVR, followed by choreographer and dancer Josh Johnson. Later, Blackhaine and Bobby Beethoven join the club programme, which continues into the early hours.
Saturday is anchored by techno figure Richie Hawtin, who joins artist John Gerrard for a twenty-four-hour experience at FVTVR. Combining digital art and electronic music, the collaboration opens with a conversation moderated by Marc Spiegler and later moves into a twelve-hour club session. Installations by Donna Huanca, Gabriel Moses, Dozie Kanu and Pol Taburet add another dimension to the festival beyond the dance floor.
Reference Festival isn’t limited to its club programme. Conversations featuring Isamaya Ffrench, Klaus Biesenbach, Chris Dercon and other creative figures will address technology, artistic institutions and the future of creativity. As Haïati explains, the intention is simple: “We wanted a space that doesn’t ask anyone to stay in their lane.” It is a philosophy that feels particularly relevant as creative disciplines become increasingly interconnected.
On Sunday, FKA twigs and director Jordan Hemingway will close the festival with a film screening and conversation produced in collaboration with Arte.
