Program/Grant: World Fest

For over two decades, Arts Midwest’s World Fest brought global music to the heart of the Midwest, connecting communities through weeklong residencies, school workshops, and unforgettable cross-cultural exchange.

The world has changed a lot since Arts Midwest launched World Fest in 2003. Ten cycles, 97 community partners, and 36 musical ensembles later, here’s what we learned along the way.

Two years after a deadly tornado, Sullivan, Indiana welcomed global ensemble LADAMA for a week of music and cross-cultural connection.

Farah Siraj, LADAMA, and A Moving Sound will return to the Midwest in Spring 2025 for one last World Fest tour. 

Minnesota’s oldest operating theater is racing to raise $4 million to save its historic stage.

How Jordan’s “Musical Ambassadress” teamed up with Oskaloosa’s local choir for a week of cultural exchange and learning.

Arts Midwest is thrilled to welcome three incredible artists to the Midwest as part of World Fest this year.

World Fest artists Pamyua, Okaidja Afroso, and Paulo Padilha will visit nine smaller Midwestern communities in Fall 2023.

Okaidja Afroso's week-long World Fest residency brought music into schools, stores, and a Main Street theater, spreading connection and curiosity in small town Albion.