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World Fest

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

Bird's eye view of many people on snow-covered ground surrounded by sidewalk and trees. The people are standing and circling around on person in the center, who is laying down and sprawled out in snow angel fashion.
Photo Credit: Jared Doran

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:

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. 

About our Partners

2024-25 World Fest Artists

Ensembles spent one week in each community to share their music and culture through school workshops, masterclasses, and a public concert celebration at the end of the week
  • Five people in traditional Taiwanese dress, holding various instruments

    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.

  • Four women of medium skin tone wearing brightly colored outfits in front of a gray background, embracing and looking upwards.

    LADAMA

    LADAMA is an ensemble of women musicians from across the Americas who strive to engage youth in their respective communities.

  • A person with medium light skin tone wearing a large silver necklace and a silver coin headpiece

    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.

Explore Past Artists

Anda Union, a band based in China who primarily specialize in khoomii (a traditional type of Mongolian overtone singing), pose in the middle of a mountain range, wearing vibrant shades of blue, purple, red, and green, holding various instruments.

World Fest Stories and Updates

Read More

Have questions about World Fest?

Want to learn more? We’re just an email or phone call away.

Email Katie Ortman