Ljubljana - Grounded, a festival that blends critical thought and activism with music, will be dedicated to the state and its institutions as it kicks off on Wednesday at Švicarija in Tivoli Park in Ljubljana.

"Whatever people do nowadays, they inevitably encounter the state and its institutions. They accompany them throughout their lives and grant and/or deny them their rights," according to the organisers.

This topic will be explored in a dozen workshops and debates over three days featuring more than 50 speakers and artists from Slovenia and abroad.

It is seen as particularly pertinent given that Slovenia faces a super-election year in 2022 with general, presidential and local elections scheduled.

The aim is to raise awareness about the need for political participation, according to a member of the organising team, Nika Mahnič.

The debates will delve into topics such as activism, the coronacrisis, transfeminism and the 30th anniversary of Slovenia's independence.

In the evening DJs will hit the stage.

The full programme is available at https://www.grounded.si/program2021/.