Charlotte International Arts Festival Returns: A Global Celebration of Art and Culture

The Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) is set to return for its fourth annual celebration from September 1 to 30, 2025, transforming Charlotte, North Carolina, into a vibrant hub of global arts and culture. Organized by Blumenthal Arts, the month-long festival will feature over 200 events, including performances, art installations, and culinary experiences, with many offerings free to the public and ticketed events starting at $5.

"We began the Charlotte International Arts Festival four years ago to celebrate the incredible richness of international cultures and artists that call Charlotte home," said Tom Gabbard, President and CEO of Blumenthal Arts. "We also bring extraordinary art and creative experiences from around the world. The result is a joyous reflection of Charlotte’s global spirit and creative energy."

Festival Highlights and New Additions

This year's CIAF introduces several new features aimed at enhancing the festival experience:

• CIAF Takeover Weekends: On September 13–14 in the Iron District and September 20–21 in Ballantyne’s Backyard, these weekends will feature live performances by international artists, food vendors, shopping, and family-friendly activities.

• New Cultural Partners: The festival welcomes new partners such as Step Afrika, an African dance experience; Bloom Movement Artistry's aerial dance performances; and DJ collective Radical Grove.

Returning Favorites

CIAF continues to collaborate with established cultural events, including:

• Festival of India: Celebrating its 29th year, this event offers Indian cultural immersion.

• Latin American Festival: Marking its 35th anniversary, this festival highlights Latin American culture.

• Le Dîner en Blanc: A chic, mass picnic event.

• Lowcountry Culture Festival: Showcasing the food, music, and art of the Lowcountry region.

Blumenthal Fellows Program

Blumenthal Arts has announced nine local artists as the 2025 Blumenthal Fellows. Each Fellow receives grants of up to $15,000 to develop and present innovative projects during the festival. Since the program's inception in 2021, Blumenthal has invested $515,000 in supporting 50 Fellow projects.

"This year's selected artists are building on the momentum of past festival successes with work that is more inclusive, more interactive, and more engaging than ever before," said Bree Stallings, Blumenthal's Director of Artistic Experiences. "The nine projects chosen reflect a bold vision, each one a stretch goal aimed at expanding the boundaries of creative expression and positioning our local talent for the global stage."

Blumenthal Arts: The Organizing Entity

Blumenthal Arts is a not-for-profit, multi-venue performing arts complex in Charlotte, North Carolina. Established in 1992, it operates several theaters and an immersive event space, Blume Studios. Blumenthal hosts a variety of productions, including Broadway national tours, concerts, and local performances.

Social and Cultural Implications

CIAF serves as a platform to celebrate Charlotte's diverse cultural landscape, fostering community engagement and appreciation for global arts. By featuring both international and local artists, the festival promotes cultural exchange and understanding. The inclusion of free and low-cost events ensures accessibility for a broad audience, contributing to the city's cultural enrichment.

Historical Context and Growth

Since its inception, CIAF has experienced significant growth. The 2024 festival attracted over 500,000 attendees who experienced more than 200 events representing 63 countries over 17 days. This expansion reflects Charlotte's increasing recognition as a hub for international arts and culture.

CIAF 2025 stands as a testament to Charlotte's commitment to cultural diversity and artistic expression. Residents and visitors are encouraged to partake in the myriad of events, fostering a deeper connection to the global community.