The second annual Charlotte International Arts Festival (CIAF) took over Uptown and Ballantyne’s Backyard September 15 – October 1, 2023, welcoming more than 500,000 visitors who had the chance to experience 250+ events representing 30 countries in a 17-day celebration of imaginative visual and performing arts from around the world and around the corner. 

Check out some highlights from the annual celebration of creativity, innovation, and art below!

CIAF 2023 BY THE NUMBERS

  • 17 DAYS
  • 500,000+ ATTENDEES
  • 230 POP-UP EVENTS
  • 57 LOCAL PERFORMERS
  • 44 COUNTRIES REPRESENTED
  • 170+ FREE EVENTS
  • 53 TICKETED EVENTS
  • 100 TINY THINGS BY 80 LOCAL ARTISTS
  • 265 FESTIVAL VOLUNTEERS
  • 11 FITNESS CLASSES
  • 4 CUSTOMIZED PROJECTIONS
  • 2 CUSTOM SOUNDSCAPES
  • 5 LARGE-SCALE ART INSTALLATIONS
  • 9 ART INSTALLATIONS BY BLUMENTHAL FELLOWS
  • $505,000+ PAID TO LOCAL ARTISTS
  • 72 VENDORS AT THE INTERNATIONAL BAZAAR

 

NEWS: Charlotte International Arts Festival Concludes Second Year

“CIAF is quite unique in the way it combines big, bold art and performance from around the world and around the corner,” said Tom Gabbard. “Much of it is free, outdoors, and fun for all ages. Seeing kids and families interact with art, dance on the grass, and have a high-quality experience with family and new friends lifts all of our spirits. The festival offerings and attendance grew dramatically with the inclusion of many local international organizations and artists.”

More Info