The 31st Annual International African Arts Festival.

The 31st Annual International African Arts Festival returns to Central Brooklyn Thursday, July 4th through Sunday July 7th, with lots of familiar treats and a few surprises. Welcoming old friends and new visitors from across the globe, the Festival will once again be held at Boys & Girls High School in Brooklyn, New York but this year we’re taking it to the streets!

The Boys & Girls High School athletic field, our customary site, is being renovated for the use and enjoyment of the students. This is a huge undertaking that will take several months to complete. The finished product will enhance the high school experience for Boys & Girls students and add to the pride the community takes in the school.

Due to the renovation project, the Festival will be held each day from 10:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. on Fulton Street from Malcolm X Boulevard to Marcus Garvey Boulevard and admission will be free! We welcome everyone to take advantage of the presence of this world-renowned cultural institution. Come take the opportunity to be enriched by the unique International African Arts Festival experience.

Most of the familiar Festival components will be in place: there will be live entertainment from African, reggae, calypso, soca, Latin, jazz, gospel, hip hop and R&B artists; dance, comedy, fashion, martial arts and more. We’re showcasing more local talent this year and featuring a piece of living history – Harriet Tubman in full costume and character, walking and talking with our children. We’ll have our annual Talent Search, African Dance Workshops, Living Legends Awards and Scholarship Awards presentations.

Of course, the main Festival attraction for many has always been our unparalleled African marketplace, with art and artifacts, crafts, clothing and wearable art, jewelry, home furnishings, books, musical instruments, toys and much more. The food alone keeps some loyal Festival fans coming back, and this year, as always, there’ll be something delicious – whether dinner, snacks or dessert– for everyone.

All of this takes place in a safe and harmonious environment filled with laughter and creativity: a family reunion of the first order! We’re famous for proceeding each year without incident and for our special features, surprises and milestones. We hope the community will join us this year in celebrating this 31-year-old cultural treasure. This year’s theme is “Katchili Li Poole,” which means “Change is growth!” The theme comes from the DiDa People of the Ivory Coast.
For further information about the 31st Annual International African Arts Festival, visit the Festival web site at www.iaafestival.com or call (718) 638-6700.