JULA is an international youth theater and music festival that has been held annually in Munich since 2004 – organized entirely by the dedicated volunteers of Kinder- und Jugendverbandes JunOst, LV Bayern e.V.
Every year, JULA supports an independent charity organisation chosen by the festival team. In 2025, it is the Ukrainian charity and shelter Misto Dobra. All proceeds from ticket sales for the play The Turtle and Shakespeare, the children’s workshop, the film screening Earth and the prize draw will be sent to the Misto Dobra account.
Our Values
Creativity
Inclusivity
Exchange
The History of the Festival
The festival was created in 2004 as a platform for small theatre projects with a focus on Eastern Europe. Over the years, both the number of events and the quality of the festival have steadily increased.
Today, the festival welcomes artists from Eastern, Central, and Western Europe. At the same time, we warmly welcome chamber theater from all over the world—especially those that tell stories through visual and musical means.
In November 2024, the festival took place in the halls of “Einstein Kultur” – a venue that, thanks to its versatility, has proven to be the ideal location for JULA.
The JULA Festival uniquely combines artistic and integrative aspects: it brings together German and international artists and visitors, fosters intercultural exchange, and strengthens opportunities for participation among young people – both with and without a migration background.
JULA is the recipient of the “Integration Award of the Bavarian Youth Ring 2011,” which is awarded to individuals, groups, and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to the integration of young people.
Financing
In addition to paying the fees for music and theatre groups, the festival, as the host, covers the transport, accommodation and meal costs for participants, as well as material costs (rent, advertising, minor purchases, etc.). The income from ticket sales cover only a small portion of these costs. For this reason, the JULA Festival relies on government funding and sponsors.