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The Festivals |
International Arts Festival
Festivals create the opportunity to celebrate life affirming values,
bringing joy and hope into people’s hearts. Redemptive ideas
and values are affirmed in a language that is culturally acceptable
and understandable. Partnering with national leaders in Russia,
Bulgaria and China, IFA brought together artists currently working
in film, dance, theatre, fine art, and
music, for a major international cultural exchange.
Sacred Fire, St. Petersburg, Russia,
1991-92
The Sacred Fire Festival, held in St. Petersburg, drew over twenty-five
thousand Russians to a wide range of activities. One concert, introduced
excerpts from Handel’s Messiah for the first time in over seven
decades!
Love Without Borders,
Sofia, Bulgaria, 1994
Following an official invitation by the Vice-president of Bulgaria,
the Love Without Borders Festival officially opened with a glorious
rendition of Mozart's Requiem. IFA soloists and conductor performed
together with the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra and the Obretenov
Choir, to a rare standing ovation.
Ode to Joy, Kunming, China, 1999
At the request of Chinese government and arts leaders, International
Festival of the Arts held the “Ode To Joy” festival in
China–the largest of its kind in the history of the nation.
The festival which featured a special focus on China’s minority
people and children with special needs, included 43 different seminars,
masterclasses and workshop. |
International Festival of the Arts (IFA)–The Concept
Mission Statement
The mission of International Festival of the Arts (IFA) is to establish
relationship with nations in transition, partnering with them to affirm
spiritual and moral values that celebrate beauty, meaning and hope.
Nations in Transition
Transition characterizes our world, and many nations have become the theatre
for dramatic and unpredictable change. History is being made and, as always,
ideas and values will determine what course it will take.
Moral Integrity
For many of these nations, the shift toward democracy and a free market
system has proven to be complicated and difficult. Social upheaval, and
economic hardship threaten to reverse the process. Moral integrity must
be affirmed in every area of life, if lasting change is to occur.
Spiritual Values
Nations seeking to restore and renew their societal structures and values,
are searching for a meaningful value system. Hope does not lie in the
assimilation of Western culture. Transcendent values must be affirmed
and expressed within their own cultural framework.
The Arts & Cultural Exchange
Cultural exchange enables IFA to establish dialogue with governmental,
intellectual, artistic, and societal leaders in a nation. International
festivals are the catalyst for this exchange. The arts are the international
language through which IFA explores, affirms, and celebrates moral and
spiritual values, and cultural identity. Artists from the world of classical
and contemporary music, theatre, dance, film, and the visual arts, perform
and exhibit alongside artists from the host country. They are joined by
other members of the international community committed to serve through
professional and educational partnership.
Partnership
Dignity and hope come when people develop the understanding and skills
necessary to steward their own natural resources and gifts. Nations in
transition need partnership and training in areas of felt need. These
include issues related to education, the environment, the medical arts,
technology, business, and special needs children. For partnership to be
established, bridges of understanding must first be built. There is a
need to discover innovative and creative ways to establish dialogue that
will lead to friendship, trust, and opportunities to serve.
Relief & Development
Festivals include collaborative activities focused on relief, development,
and children in need. Trust is built. Partnerships are formed. Strategies
are developed. Renewed and empowered people are equipped to bring sustainable
development.
Children
Children are the future of the nations. IFA has a special focus on the
spiritual, physical, and emotional needs of children, in order to give
them a future and a hope. Festival leaders coordinate with the relevant
authorities to assess issues relating to orphans, special education and
medical care. Agencies and individuals form partnerships, to assist with
both urgent and developmental needs.
Assessment & Networking
Research and assessment lead to practical implementation through a combination
of networking and partnership agreements. In this way, felt needs and
resources are brought together in a strategic manner. IFA is strongly
positioned to accomplish this, because of its strong international network
of contacts.
Education and Training
Festivals have a strong educational component. Education and training
take place in the host nation prior to, during, and following an IFA Festival.
In this way, renewed and empowered people are equipped to bring sustainable
restoration to their own nation.IFA believes in the importance of education
and training and partners with Belhaven College in Jackson, Miss. and
other national and international educational institutions.
IFA develops and implements training programs, lecture tours, educational
exchanges, and special delegations related to festivals and other training
programs around the world.
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