VISION

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. 

MISSION

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.

CORE VALUES

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.

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 Over the last decade, globalFEST has become one of the most dynamic global music platforms in North America, growing from an acclaimed festival/showcase into a catalytic non-profit service organization for curators, artists, and the performing arts field. Through its work, gF encourages networking and cultural diplomacy; deepens cultural understanding among its constituents; builds audiences for international music and creates new opportunities for artists leading to a more robust and sustainable ecosystem for world music in the United States. Artists that participate in gF programs represent diverse musical styles from all corners of the globe, ranging from traditional to contemporary, and everything in between. Programs include: the gF Touring Fund, which provides direct support to artists to develop new markets and audiences; gF On the Road, tours that brings creatively programmed lineups to venues nationwide; and guest curating for both commercial and performing arts settings, including such influential events as SXSW, Bonnaroo, Lincoln Center and beyond, that serve to raise the profile and visibility of the artists gF works with, and world music overall. In 2018, globalFEST was awarded the APAP William Dawson Award for Programmatic Excellence and sustained achievement in programming.