Blumenthal Arts Will Partner with New Cultural Organizations for the 2024 Charlotte International Arts Festival
May 8, 2024 / Press Releases
By Rachel Peterson (May 8, 2024) Charlotte, NC – Blumenthal Arts announced today that, in addition to bringing in renowned global acts alongside exceptional art from Charlotte’s most exciting creatives for the Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), it will partner with more than 10 local festivals and cultural organizations, yielding 17 packed days of entertainment and cultural immersion. CIAF, a Blumenthal Arts Original, is a joyful celebration of international communities filled with live performances, art installations, and experiences from around the world and our own backyard. This is just the beginning; the full festival lineup will be announced soon, with more to come. Keep an eye on charlotteartsfest.com and @cltartsfest for the most up-to-date information.
Blumenthal’s Vice President of Marketing, Danny Knaub, said, “As we continue to expand the definition of art through CIAF, there is no better place to find originality, passion, diversity, and the most creative international and local minds than right here in the Queen City. Blumenthal is proud to partner with revered local organizations that have established annual events and gained major followings. By partnering with organizations across a spectrum of cultures and affinities, we form one big, inclusive community of people open to sharing new experiences, to learning about others through art. A vital part of the mission of CIAF is to shine a light on the multitude of vibrant international cultures in Charlotte—one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in the US. This joining together is why the festival was created, and why we do what we do.”
In 2023, CIAF partnered for the first time with a number of established events and organizations, including two Charlotte cultural fixtures, the Festival of India and the Latin American Festival. This year, Blumenthal will stretch its cultural partnerships even farther into the community for its annual spree of celebrating international cultures through performance, food, art, and community.
“We are thrilled to present the third iteration of the Charlotte International Arts Festival! After last year’s successes, we could not wait to partner again with Charlotte Brunch Festival, Festival in the Park, Festival of India, and the Latin American Festival, and others,” said Alana Graber, Festival & Special Events Producer. “Our partnership with Festival of India is growing this year beyond Uptown to include a pop-up event in Ballantyne’s Backyard. We’re also excited to announce an expansion of the CIAF family as we welcome new partners including Le Dîner en Blanc – Charlotte, Southern Guitar Festival, UNC Charlotte, and more. Festivalgoers can expect to see some returning favorites, but we’re overjoyed to introduce CIAF audiences to exciting new offerings from our partners that span genres and showcase the rich cultures we are lucky to experience here in our city.”
Returning CIAF cultural partners include:
- Festival of India
- Charlotte Brunch Festival
- El Grit Festival
- Latin American Festival
- Festival in the Park
- Charlotte Symphony Orchestra
- JazzArts Charltte
- International House
- SouthPark After 5
Announcing new cultural partners:
- ArtPop Street Gallery
- Lowcountry Culture Festival
- University City WineFest
- UNC Charltte International Festival
- Le Dîner en Blanc – Charoltte
- urBRIDGE Fall Festival
- Southern Guitar Festival
- CharlOz
- Queen City Zine Fest
- CLTure
Events from CIAF cultural partners this year will expand the festival footprint to new locations in Charlotte, including Charlotte’s new and highly anticipated Sullenberger Aviation Museum, which will open this summer.
Cultural Partner Highlights:
LOWCOUNTRY CULTURE FESTIVAL
New Partner
September 14, Ballantyne
A dynamic celebration featuring a fusion of Lowcountry cuisine, soulful music, vibrant art, and the craftsmanship of local makers.
Attendees can try she-crab soup, watch the live art of basket weaving, enjoy Southern cocktails, learn the history of the Lowcountry, and more.
FESTIVAL OF INDIA
Returning Partner
September 14, Uptown
September 15, Ballantyne
Organized by the India Association of Charlotte, a nonprofit dedicated to serving the burgeoning Indian American community, the Festival of India in the Carolinas stands as a beacon of India’s rich diversity, offering a delightful platform for cultural exchange amidst joyous festivities, including captivating performances that blend the allure of Bollywood glamour with the elegance of classical Indian dance.
As you walk along Tryon Street, you are bound to be enticed by the auras and visuals that surround you with vibrant showcases of art, crafts, languages, attire, and cuisine from every corner. No matter how you participate—whether you are getting your hands painted with some Henna or trying out yards upon yards of luxurious silk sarees or trying some authentic Indian food—your senses are bound to be charmed, teased, and lured into the magic of India!
LATIN AMERICAN FESTIVAL
Returning Partner
September 21, Ballantyne
The Latin American Coalition presents the 34th consecutive year of the Latin American Festival, a vibrant event that celebrates the rich tapestry of 21 countries, showcasing their gastronomy, culture, dance, music, and more.
Experience an exhilarating lineup of international artists against the backdrop of an open venue, welcoming everyone from the community. Festival favorite Nations Village will return, where each country proudly displays its culture. With approximately 10 food vendors and over 20 sponsors joining us every September, this year's festival promises to be unforgettable.
Le DÎNER EN BLANC – CHARLOTTE
New Partner
September 28, Secret Location to be Revealed
A global sensation spanning six continents, Le Dîner en Blanc epitomizes elegance and community as participants come together for a unique dining experience clad in white attire within temporary, chic settings in public spaces.
Elegantly dressed all in white, guests arrive at a secret location for a chic picnic en masse. They bring their own tables, chairs, picnic baskets—all the trimmings!—to savor a meal with friends in one of their city’s most beautiful public spaces. The location remains secret up until the very moment of arrival. Over the course of the evening, guests from all backgrounds eat, dance, reconnect with the finer things in life, and make new traditions, as they appreciate their city’s beauty and the night’s magical experience. Everyone leaves with exquisite images and memories to last a lifetime, and the fabulous scene disappears as though it was all a dream.
Register for this exclusive event at charlotte.dinerenblanc.com/register.
Other cultural partner highlights this year include ArtPop Street Gallery, presenting a runway event featuring the work of Upcycle designers to benefit arts education; the UNC Charlotte International Festival, a colorful marketplace representing the cultures of more than 35 nations; beloved weekend-long Freedom Park community event Festival in the Park; ourBridge Fall Festival, a vibrant showcase of global cultures for all ages; the 12th annual Southern Guitar Festival, inspiring guitarists and music lovers with world-class performances, workshops, competitions, and inspiration for all levels and styles; Charlotte Symphony Orchestra’s The Wizard of Oz in concert; The Jazz Room, presenting Latin Jazz superstar Pedrito Martinez, back by popular demand; Queen City Zine Fest, a convening of 35+ independent publishers, artists, and writers from the region. And much more!
In addition to today’s announcement of the 2024 CIAF cultural partners, Blumenthal Arts will be making more announcements about the festival lineup in the coming weeks. For more information, visit charlotteartsfest.com.
Watch the website and follow CIAF on social for updates, location details, and surprises! @cltartsfest #cltartsfest
Blumenthal Arts recognizes with gratitude the dedication and generosity of Wells Fargo, Wastequip and Brighthouse Financial for the Charlotte International Arts Festival.
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ABOUT CIAF
The Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), a Blumenthal Arts Original, uniquely brings together Charlotte's local and international communities with global artists in a cultural celebration filled with live performances, art installations, food from around the world, and more.
ABOUT BLUMENTHAL ARTS
Blumenthal Arts serves the Carolinas as a leading cultural, entertainment and education not-for-profit. For more information, call (704) 372-1000 or visit BlumenthalArts.org. Blumenthal Arts receives support from the Infusion Fund and the North Carolina Arts Council. Generous support is also provided by PNC Bank, sponsor of the PNC Broadway Lights series, and Equitable, sponsor of the Equitable Bravo Series.
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