International Festival Of Arts And Ideas

About the Event

150+ events, one Festival. It all happens in New Haven, Connecticut.

Schedule of Events:

12:00am: NXTHVN CARTie - Humanities Quadrangle
Free

Step into a world of creativity and reflection with NXTHVN's 2023-2024 Apprentices as they proudly present "Legacy: What Does it Mean to You?" This dynamic exhibition, housed in the mobile art museum cARTie, showcases original artworks exploring the concept of legacy. From the vibrant pieces by NXTHVN's High School Apprentices to the heartfelt creations by residents of the Hannah Gray Home, prepare to be inspired and moved.

9:00am: East Coast Greenway South - New Haven Green
Bike Tour / 3 hrs / Free Reservations

Travel South on the East Coast Greenway to Silver Sands State Park in Milford. This section of the ECG incorporates the Vision Trail, the Harbor side trail, the Long Wharf Nature Preserve, and the Savin Rock Trail. A representative of ECG will lead the ride and provide information and background on the trails.

Difficulty: Moderate
Terrain: Flat mostly road some gravel
Distance: 28 Miles

9:00am: Riding on Mixed Surface - New Haven Green
Bike Tour / 2 hrs / Free Reservations

New Haven has it's share of mixed surfaces often creating a challenge for even the most seasoned rider. Learn techniques from one of New Haven's most prolific riders and skilled educators on the subject.

Difficulty: Moderate, may be more appropriate for Hybrid/Mountain bikes
Terrain: Mixed surfaces including pavement, gravel, sand, and dodging road flotsam.
Distance: 15 Miles

10:00am: Perspectives on Cultural Preservation - Humanities Quadrangle
Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts
1 hr / Free Reservations

Sandy Grande, Professor of Native American and Indigenous Studies, and an additional panelist yet to be announced, share their different views on preserving cultures. They will discuss why it's important to protect our cultural identities as the world changes and why it's essential to save different cultural traditions for the people who come after us.

11:00am: Tour of Amistad: Retold at the New Haven Museum
Guided Tour / 45 min / Free Reservations

Join a tour to view the New Haven Museum’s updated exhibition Amistad: Retold. The exhibition centers the experiences of the Amistad rebels and their collective action to determine their own lives. It also has a local focus on New Haven as the site of their incarceration and abolitionist organizing leading to the landmark Supreme Court decision. On display are historic and contemporary artistic representations of Amistad that convey the power of the arts to raise awareness and shape collective memory.

11:00am: Midnight Oil Collective: Breaking Barriers: Transforming the Starving Artist Myth into Sustainable Creativity - Humanities Quadrangle
Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts
1 hr / Free Reservations

Artists are passionate catalysts for change, envisioning a world transformed for the better through the power of art. Yet, they often face a persistent struggle: the dream of art inspiring change versus the systemic barriers of scarcity of funding, resources, and support. This tension stifles their creative potential and their role in driving societal progress.

Our seminar seeks to ignite a conversation about the roadblocks artists encounter in bringing their visions to life and connecting with their audience. We're set to break down these barriers, viewing them not as impenetrable walls but as challenges that can be overcome. Join us as we pave the way to dismantle the enduring myth of "the starving artist" and unlock new possibilities for artistic innovation and impact.

11:00am: Elm Shakespeare’s Building a Brave New Theatre 2024 - Humanities Quadrangle
1 hr / Free

Elm Shakespeare’s annual discussion and performance series interrogates how Shakespeare serves the 21st Century and amplifies innovative and marginalized artistic voices. This year the series focuses on exploring Gender through Shakespeare. The Festival is thrilled to partner with Elm Shakespeare to present one event in this series as part of the Festival’s June 29 Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts. TRANSforming Shakespeare: How Creative Casting Makes Better Plays

How we embody concepts of gender is changing in 2024. Come explore how creative gender casting reflects today’s reality, illuminates Shakespeare’s stories, and enriches everyone’s experience.  Featuring Jennifer Lanier of Original Practice Shakespear and others.

1:00pm: Freedom of Expression - Humanities Quadrangle
Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts
1 hr / Free Reservations

Get ready to be inspired by an important talk about the culture wars happening in the United States focusing on how more and more books are being banned and restricted. Find out about the problems librarians and teachers have to deal with as they try to handle these tricky issues. Delve into the importance of intellectual freedom and the role of education in fostering diverse perspectives. Learn about how to make sure everyone can get information and keep schools' fair.

2:00pm: Clue Remastered - New Haven Green
Bike Tour / 3 hrs / Free Reservations

This isn't Colonial Mustard's Clue. Prepare yourself for Clue by bike with notable New Haven characters. Prizes will be awarded.

Difficulty: Easy
Terrain: On road and flat
Distance: 12 Miles

2:00pm: Transforming Shakespeare - Humanities Quadrangle
Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts
1 hr / Free Reservations

Discover the transformative power of creative casting in "TRANSforming Shakespeare." In a rapidly evolving world, delve into how gender concepts shape our interpretations of Shakespearean tales. Join Jennifer Lanier from the Original Practice Shakespeare Festival, alongside esteemed guests to soon be announced, as they explore the dynamic intersection of gender representation and theatrical storytelling. Don't miss this discussion on how diverse casting enhances our understanding and appreciation of Shakespeare's timeless works.

3:00pm: Anne Cubberly's Giant Puppets - New Haven Green

Experience the whimsical magic of Anne Cubberly’s Giant Puppets as they roam the Green and Downtown New Haven! These colossal, colorful creations are more than just puppets—they’re vibrant reflections of our essence and the boundless spirit within us all. Don’t let their size intimidate you; instead, seek them out and bask in the awe- inspiring wonder they evoke.

3:00pm: CONTRA-TIEMPO: ¡AZUCAR! - University Theatre
Activist Dance Theater / 1 hr 30 min

Embark on a transformative journey through “¡Azúcar!” CONTRA-TIEMPO’s newest theatrical dance work leans into Celia Cruz’s music as inspiration and delivers explosive salsa dancing while taking us through a truly Caribbean narrative. ¡AZÚCAR! explores our complex relationship with sugar and is a celebration of ancestral wisdom, also serving as an exploration of Afro-Latiné ancestral movement. Conceived and directed by Ana María Álvarez, this immersive experience features a village of brilliant artists who work together to confront the past, heal collectively, and celebrate the resilience of the human spirit.

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3:30pm: Fair Haven Public Art and Food Tour - Fair Haven Oyster Company
2 hrs

Join us on June 29th for a 2.5-mile walking tour through the colorful public art of our beloved Fair Haven community! Embark on a journey of discovery as we explore vibrant murals and installations while indulging in delicious tastes along the way. Don't miss out on the chance to savor Fair Haven Oyster's delectable offerings and quench your thirst with refreshing brews from Armada Brewing. Let's walk, talk, and celebrate art and community together!

Food and Public Art Tour:

Fair Haven Oyster Company
Salsa Authentic Mexican
La Molienda
Armada Brewery

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4:00pm: Shelly Lowe in conversation with Jason Mancini - Humanities Quadrangle
Ideas Summit: Intersections in the Arts
1 hr / Free Reservations

Shelly C. Lowe (Navajo), Chair of the National Endowment for the Humanities, and Jason Mancini, Executive Director of Connecticut Humanities, will discuss the  critical role the humanities play in tackling society’s toughest contemporary challenges. Chair Lowe will highlight new National Endowment for the Humanities initiatives that respond to some of the most pressing issues of our time:  strengthening our democracy, advancing equity for all, and addressing our changing climate.

6:00pm: Caribbean Festival - Alexander Clark Stage on the New Haven Green
3 hrs 30 min / Free

The New Haven Caribbean Heritage Festival is a vibrant celebration that honors the rich cultural contributions of the Caribbean Diaspora in New England. Enjoy captivating performances that showcase the heart and soul of Caribbean music, dance, and artistry. Immerse yourself in the beauty of the Caribbean through colorful displays that represent various island nations. The festival is an all-ages affair, fostering a sense of community and togetherness. Indulge in Caribbean culinary delights, from **** chicken to plantains, and grapenut to rum and raisin ice cream.

The festivities kick off at 2PM on the New Haven Green and don’t miss the grand finale - a blow-out concert infused with Carnival vibes! Join us in celebrating the 10th anniversary of this joyous event, hosted in June as part of National Caribbean American Heritage Month.

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