Blumenthal Arts has announced the program for the 2024 Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF), which will take place in Charlotte from September 13-29.
This annual event celebrates global cultures with over 200 live performances, art installations and cultural expressions and aims to cater to diverse tastes and backgrounds.
In its third year, CIAAF will feature a variety of events, including fitness classes, immersive art experiences and cultural performances.
The festival promises an extensive program with 130 free events, 40 art installations and performances from over 45 countries.
The main highlights include:
- Recurring attractions: Giant inflatable artworks such as “Gaia” by UK-based artist Luke Jerram and interactive installations such as “Of Earth and Sky” by Jerram.
- New arrivals: New cultural events such as the Lowcountry Cultural Festival and the Southern Guitar Festival.
- Cultural partners: The Festival of India and the Latin American Festival, along with new partners such as the University City Wine Festival and the Queen City Zine Fest.
- Venues: Operations span multiple locations, including Blume Studios in the Iron District, Ballantyne’s Backyard and Uptown Charlotte.
- Bird people: Find wandering bird puppets in surprise locations from September 13 to 29.
- Lotty of Moradavaga: Interact with a large-scale octopus sculpture from Italy and Portugal in Uptown from September 13-29.
- Festival of India: An expanded program will be introduced in Ballantyne for the second day of festivities, culminating with a free lawn performance by the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra.
- Mindwashing: A 26-foot rotating brain-shaped animated structure featuring classical music by Christopher Schardt of LED Labs in Ballantyne’s Backyard.
- Festival Beer Garden: Enjoy food and drinks, including local craft beer. Open: Tuesday to Thursday from 4pm to 9pm, Friday from 4pm to 10pm, Saturday from 12pm to 10pm and Sunday from 12pm to 9pm.
The festival is supported by sponsorship from organizations such as the Leon Levine Foundation and Bank of America.
For the most up-to-date information and complete event details, visit charlotteartsfest.com. Follow @cltartsfest on social media.
