World Fest
World Fest toured international musicians to Midwestern communities to foster an understanding of and appreciation for global uniqueness and differences.

About World Fest
Arts Midwest programs are currently under review for compliance with state and federal laws.
World Fest was a performing arts residency program that toured world music ensembles to communities in the Midwest. During each World Fest season, we partnered with one organization in each of the nine states we work in throughout the region, with a focus on rural communities.
Since World Fest’s inception in 2003, we have served more than 650,000 individuals, including 450,000 youth, through more than 280 public performances and 2,300+ educational events.
- Present high-caliber international artists to small- or mid-sized Midwest communities;
- Provide a multifaceted experience to Midwest communities, particularly young people;
- Integrate the artists and their music into a broader social, cultural, and historical framework;
- Encourage young people to explore a range of cultures and perspectives; and
- Create a lasting musical and cultural impact on participants.
By partnering with one organization in each of our nine states, Arts Midwest brought international music ensembles to the following cities during the 2022-2025 cycle:
- Oskaloosa, IA – George Daily Auditorium
- Freeport, IL – Freeport Art Museum
- Sullivan, IN – City of Sullivan, Indiana
- Albion, MI – Bohm Theatre
- Minot, ND – Minot Area Council of the Arts
- Portsmouth, OH – The Vern Riffe Center for the Arts
- Custer, SD & Hot Springs, SD – Custer Area Arts Council & Chautauqua Craftsmen & Artisans of the Black Hills
- Marinette, WI – Rusty Wolfe Studio
- Fairmont, MN – Fairmont Opera House
A program of Arts Midwest, the 2024–2025 World Fest artist tours were generously supported by the National Endowment for the Arts.
Arts Midwest is also generously supported by the Illinois Arts Council Agency, Indiana Arts Commission, Iowa Arts Council, Michigan Arts and Culture Council, Minnesota State Arts Board, North Dakota Council on the Arts, Ohio Arts Council, South Dakota Arts Council, Wisconsin Arts Board, 3M, and individual donors and partners.
2024-25 World Fest Artists
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A Moving Sound
Fusing traditional influences with a global sensibility, award winning ensemble A Moving Sound (Sheng Don聲動) from Taiwan, built a worldwide following through their joyous mix of original music and dance.
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LADAMA
LADAMA is an ensemble of women musicians from across the Americas who strive to engage youth in their respective communities.
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Farah Siraj
Farah Siraj balances a career that spans the United States, Europe, and the Middle East, having performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Past World Fest Artists
For nearly two decades, World Fest has brought internationally recognized musicians to the Midwest. These artists hail from Japan, Mexico, Israel, China, Somalia, Canada, Egypt, Pakistan, Indonesia, Brazil, South Africa, Turkey, Norway, and many places in between.

World Fest Stories and Updates
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After a Tornado, a Rural Indiana City Finds Connection Through Music
May 20, 2025
Two years after a deadly tornado, Sullivan, Indiana welcomed global ensemble LADAMA for a week of music and cross-cultural connection.
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Catch World Fest Artists in Your Community This Spring
February 12, 2025
Farah Siraj, LADAMA, and A Moving Sound will return to the Midwest in Spring 2025 for one last World Fest tour.
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A Rural Opera House Faces its Biggest Challenge Yet
November 4, 2024
Minnesota’s oldest operating theater is racing to raise $4 million to save its historic stage.
Have questions about World Fest?
Want to learn more? We’re just an email or phone call away.
Email Katie Ortman