Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts Scheduled For April 7-May 1, 2011

Lights on, curtains up. It's Philadelphia's moment, as the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA) turns a bright spotlight on the city's arts and cultural scene. For three weeks, from April 7 through May 1, 2011, audiences will revel in an array of one-time, only-in-Philadelphia productions by some of the region's top talents-many of whom will partner with or present international performers. PIFA will feature music, dance, fashion, fine arts, poetry, cuisine and more-all generously flavored with the essence of Paris, circa 1910-1920.

Inspired by the Kimmel Center, PIFA promises to be an out-of-the-box arts festival that honors the vision of longtime Philadelphia resident and philanthropist Leonore Annenberg. Before she passed away in 2009, Mrs. Annenberg provided a generous grant through the Annenberg Foundation to ensure that her lifelong dream for a citywide arts celebration would be fulfilled.

The complete line-up will be announced on April 7, 2010, one year prior to the festival's start. Hotel and ticket packages will make it easy for audiences to attend desired performances and discover new events. Tickets to select performances go on sale April 7, 2010 through ticketphiladelphia.org and at participating venues. For the most up-to-date details and event information, visit pifa.org.

Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, provides a rich diversity of programming through its Kimmel Center Presents sponsored by Citi and Broadway Series of performances, as well as arts in education and community outreach. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music together serve as home to eight Resident Company performing arts organizations, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Theater Arts for Youth, Philadanco, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®. Kimmel Center, Inc. owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association.

The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), inspired by the Kimmel Center, launches the city's arts and cultural scene onto the world stage with a three-week festival featuring Philadelphia performances and activities designed to appeal to loyal fans, as well as the new-to-the-arts crowd. Based on the philosophy of collaboration, creativity and innovation, PIFA programs comprise newly commissioned works, unexpected partnerships with both local and International Artists and non-traditional and emerging art forms, along with classic performances that engage residents and visitors alike. With the overarching theme of Paris 1910-1920, PIFA celebrates works from and inspired by the period and the general innovative spirit of the time. Funded in part with a $10 million grant from Philadelphia philanthropist Mrs. Leonore Annenberg, whose vision for a city-wide arts extravaganza shaped the festival, PIFA takes place April 7 through May 1, 2011.

Kimmel Center, Inc., a charitable, not-for-profit organization, provides a rich diversity of programming through its Kimmel Center Presents sponsored by Citi and Broadway Series of performances, as well as arts in education and community outreach. The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts and the Academy of Music together serve as home to eight Resident Company performing arts organizations, including The Philadelphia Orchestra, Opera Company of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Ballet, Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, American Theater Arts for Youth, Philadanco, Philadelphia Chamber Music Society and Peter Nero and the Philly Pops®. Kimmel Center, Inc. owns, manages, supports and maintains The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, which includes Verizon Hall, Perelman Theater, Innovation Studio and the Merck Arts Education Center. Kimmel Center, Inc. also manages the Academy of Music, owned by The Philadelphia Orchestra Association.

The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), inspired by the Kimmel Center, launches the city's arts and cultural scene onto the world stage with a three-week festival featuring Philadelphia performances and activities designed to appeal to loyal fans, as well as the new-to-the-arts crowd. Based on the philosophy of collaboration, creativity and innovation, PIFA programs comprise newly commissioned works, unexpected partnerships with both local and International Artists and non-traditional and emerging art forms, along with classic performances that engage residents and visitors alike. With the overarching theme of Paris 1910-1920, PIFA celebrates works from and inspired by the period and the general innovative spirit of the time. Funded in part with a $10 million grant from Philadelphia philanthropist Mrs. Leonore Annenberg, whose vision for a city-wide arts extravaganza shaped the festival, PIFA takes place April 7 through May 1, 2011.
For the most up to date information, contact PIFA at (215) 790-5800 or visit pifa.org.