globalFEST encourages the performing arts field to present and promote global and American regional music traditions, inspiring empathy through exposure to cultures outside of one’s own. The flagship festival at the core of globalFEST educates and inspires discovery for arts professionals to present artists from diverse cultures, which then reverberates to audiences and communities. This impact is amplified as stages across the United States and beyond become increasingly representative and inclusive of cultures from around the world and around the corner. Through its programs, globalFEST aims to develop dynamic leaders in the performing arts field, nurturing a robust ecosystem that supports vital music heritage.
globalFEST breaks down cultural and social boundaries by moving international music to the center of the performing arts field. globalFEST‘s programs catalyze creative and artistic networks to foster a robust and sustainable ecosystem for global and American regional music – through performance, engagements, touring, and media – an ecosystem which includes artists, arts professionals, media, and the general public.
globalFEST believes that music can be a driving force toward a society that values cultural diversity as a source of unity rather than division. We pursue this by moving global music – from traditional to contemporary and the hybrids in between – to the center of the cultural conversation and the center of the performing arts field. globalFEST believes that by strengthening opportunities for artists to reach broader audiences, it also facilitates a more inclusive cultural sector and a healthier society where diverse voices are heard. This creates more equitable economic opportunities for artists and reaffirms the cultural imperative to maintain an industry that supports culturally specific music from every continent, every year.