Home | Charlotte International Arts Festival Concludes Second Year

Charlotte International Arts Festival Concludes Second Year

Oct 7, 2023

The second annual Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), a Blumenthal Performing Arts original, concluded its run on October 1, 2023. More than 500,000 visitors experienced 250+ events representing 30 countries in a 17-day celebration of imaginative visual and performing arts from around the world and around the corner.

An annual spree of creativity, innovation, and art, CIAF uniquely brings together Charlotte's local and international communities with visiting global artists in a cultural celebration filled with live performances, art installations, food from around the world, and more.  

“CIAF is quite unique in the way it combines big, bold art and performance from around the world and around the corner,” said Tom Gabbard. “Much of it is free, outdoors, and fun for all ages. Seeing kids and families interact with art, dance on the grass, and have a high-quality experience with family and new friends lifts all of our spirits. The festival offerings and attendance grew dramatically with the inclusion of many local international organizations and artists.”

CIAF offers abundant opportunities for local artists. In 2023, nine Blumenthal Fellows received funding to exhibit their work alongside visiting artists such as world-renowned Australian sculpturist Amanda Parer, who visited her popular, large-scale inflatable installations in Charlotte for the first time and engaged in intimate settings with 65 locals to discuss her work and share advice.

 

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CIAF By the Numbers

  • 44 countries represented
  • 500,000+ visitors
  • 53 ticketed events saw guests from: 360+ different cities in the Carlinas, 42+ states and Washington, DC and 2 Canadian Provinces 
  • 230 pop-up events:
    • 67 at Levine Avenue of the Arts
    • 85 at Ballantyne’s Backyard
    • 47 at Wells Fargo Plaza
    • 9 at The Amp Ballantyne
    • 18 at Founders Hall
    • 2 at Freedom Park
    • 1 at Symphony Park
    • 1 at Wells Fargo Auditorium
  • 2,500 entries to Tour de Ballantyne Skate Park and Climb the Matterhorn! Climbing Wall
  • 13,000+ attendees at the Latin American Festival and the Festival of India
  • 72 vendors at the International Bazaar
  • 57 local performers and groups at pop-up stages
  • 2 custom soundscapes created by local composers 
  • 11 fitness and yoga classes
  • 265 festival volunteers
  • 1,740 pints sold of Blumenthal’s signature CIAF beer, “What The Duck,” developed in partnership with Lenny Boy Brewing