The International Festival of Arts & Ideas Announces Dates for 2008

Those who missed this years International Festival of Arts & Ideas shoudn't be too disappointed. The Festival has announced this week that it will be back in New Haven from June 14th through June 28th next year. In its 12th year, the festival promises fifteen days and nights of music, dance, theater and "bright and emerging thinkers" from around the globe (artidea.org). The city of New Haven shines during this time, showing its beautiful and artistic glory which is often times hidden behind the crime and violence often associated with New Haven. Many people outside of New Haven do not know of its vast collections of museums and theaters. Many of the theaters, such as Shubert Theater and Long Wharf Theater host several of the festivals events. The International Festival of Arts & Ideas invites everyone to experience New Havens artistic greatness. The festival has attracted over 100,000 people. Since 1996, there have been over seventy countries represented in the Festival. Some of the countries include; Algeria, France, Canada, Thailand, Japan and many more. This year there are over twenty countries showcased within the hundreds of international events. The events include visual arts, prominent thinkers and leaders, and is a family friendly festival. The music program includes jazz, opera, rock, symphony, folk and much more. What is truly spectacular is that eighty percent of the festival is free to the public. The center of the festival resides at the New Haven Green, one of the top ten most beautiful public spaces, according to the Arts & Ideas website. At one end of the Green is the World Stage and the other the Family Stage; both presenting an array of concerts and street performances, art and creative play activities.

There are also several different tours of New Haven one could participate in, including tours by boat, on foot, bike or bus. The International Festival nurtures not only New Haven's various artists but all of Connecticut as well. Village of Villages, for example, is a program in its second year, which encourages artists to join and showcase their talents during the Festival. This year there will be over one-hundred groups, over one thousand artists in all, presenting their talents on seven of the stages on the Green. These events which include dancing, singing and much more will take place during the Festival on June 16th and 17th. According to the Arts & Ideas website, some of the events include; "100 Dresses" which is a "fashion show modeled after Artspace's current exhibit", a cycling jamboree, Scottish country dancing and much, much more is expected for next years show. Overall, the International Festival of Arts & Ideas reaches out to the community and encourages artistic expression, while inviting cultures from around the world to broaden visitors' horizons. The numerous outreach programs and residencies foster the emerging artist and promises spectators a once-a-year, awe inspiring fifteen days of festivities. Visitors have come from all over the country and over the past few years, there has been a significant rise in international visitors as well. No matter what your taste is in music, art or theater; there is always something for everyone at the International Arts & Ideas Festival.

Contact Info:

(888) ART-IDEA (278-4332)
(203) 498-1212
Ticket sales through the
Shubert Theater Box Office: (203) 562-5666
or (888) 736-2663

By Fax:

(203) 498-2106

By Mail:

International Festival of Arts & Ideas
195 Church Street, 12th Floor
New Haven, CT 06510