workshop 1 2 fei vietnam workshop what is a cultural festival and why are they so popular
TRANSCRIPT
Nick Dodds Managing Director
What is a Cultural Festival?
Cultural Festivals – the FEI definition“A time limited, concentrated celebration of cultural activity
rooted in a particular location”
and Arts Festivals ...
“cover the performing and visual arts, presenting performances of either a single artform, like music, or multi-
artform like the Edinburgh or Shanghai festivals”
NoReligious FestivalsVenue Arts SeasonsShopping Festivals!
YESArts Festivals Film Festivals Literature/Book Festivals Children’s Festivals Pop Festivals Food Festivals Sports Festivals
Cultural Festivals – the FEI definition
Heritage?
Why have arts & cultural festivals
become so popular?
An explosion of Arts Festivals in the World
Audiences like them because; • The concentrated activity generates excitement and a sense
of celebration• They tend to be short – mostly one, two or three weeks long• They present work that you can’t see the rest of the year –
new/adventurous • They give the opportunity to cross between artforms you
don’t normally attend • They follow themes of exploration and depth that specialists
like• They present in unusual spaces and on the streets
Artists like them because;• The present a lot of work – BAFA members 10,000 events
4,000 exhibition days• They often give the opportunity to experiment – BAFA
members 1,750 premiers• They commission new work – BAFA members 200 pieces in
2007• They engage artists –BAFA members 50,000 opportunities • They give artists the opportunity to see international work –
artform development
Artists Love Festivals
Cities like them because;• Often animate the streets and show off the city at its best• Enrich the lives of and entertain their residents • The educate residents and visitors - BAFA members 1900
education events• Attract young people – BAFA 63% of education events aimed at
the young• The assist with community cohesion and develop a sense of pride• Raise the profile of the city nationally and internationally• Attract high spending visitors and cultural tourists• Generate positive economic impacts.
Cities Love Festivals