Arts Midwest

Arts Midwest World Fest presents international musical ensembles in intensive week-long residencies in smaller Midwest communities. Its purpose is to foster an understanding of and appreciation for global uniqueness and differences.

Arts Midwest World Fest’s objectives are to:

• present high-caliber, accessible international artists to small- or mid-sized Midwest communities;
• provide a multifaceted experience to community residents, particularly young people;
• integrate the artists and their music into a broader social, cultural, political, and historical framework;
• encourage young people to explore issues and understand concerns of diverse cultures; and
• create a lasting musical and cultural impact on participants.

Each cycle of Arts Midwest World Fest occurs over a two year period in which four global musical ensembles conduct week-long intensive residencies in selected communities throughout the Midwest. The residencies consist of school concerts, workshops, and outreach activities, and culminate in a public concert.

“This touring program is critical in rural areas where budgets and national requirements have curtailed the arts. This program will change lives.” – Lynn Verschoor, Director of the South Dakota Art Museum

To extend the cultural experience to the classroom, Arts Midwest provides participating communities with a curriculum that helps students and teachers better understand and appreciate the customs and traditions of the visiting ensembles. We hope that studying other cultures will spark a lasting curiosity in both teachers and students that will result in further exploration of the diverse and fascinating cultures of the world.

Arts Midwest World Fest is supported in part by grants from the National Endowment for the Arts, 3M, Verizon, The Canadian Government, Délégation du Québec Chicago, the Consulate General of Israel to the Midwest, the President’s Committee on the Arts and the Humanities, and many others. For a full list of sponsors, please visit www.artsmidwestworldfest.org.