New International Arts Festival debuting in Bartlett Park in Jun

Planning is underway for a new summer international arts festival to celebrate the rich cultural diversity within the Tri-Villages (Bartlett, Hanover Park, Streamwood) and nearby communities. Arts in Bartlett, the local arts council and producer of the event, has set the date for June 24-25, 2017, in Bartlett Park. This event is a natural evolution of a juried fine art fair held the past 14 years that had increasingly focused on multicultural performers and art to a broader global event.

The planning committee met with consultant Sharon Swing who facilitated a discussion with graphic recorder Mark Demel to create a vision of what this new festival would look and feel like. "The resulting concept was a colorful, exciting, inclusive weekend of multicultural music, art, crafts, dance, food, and audience participation events," said Cecilia Green, director of the Bartlett Arts Center.

Contacts with other groups and individuals are encouraging, Green said, but more participants are being solicited this month. Another meeting is planned for Monday, January 30, at 6:30 p.m. at Arts in Bartlett, 215 S. Main St. to finalize the name of the event, select specific events, and to identify groups that represent different cultures and funding sources. All are invited to find out more about how to participate. RSVP for the meeting and/or send suggestions for events, artists, performers and international groups. Please contact artsinbartlett@comcast.net or (630) 372-4152.