PIFA Features French Artists, 4/7-5/1
Love baguettes and berets? Chanel and Chagall? How about ballet, French jazz, mimes and Babar? All that and more will be center stage next spring, as Philadelphia goes French for three weeks (April 7 to May 1) with the launch of the first Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), offering a slate of programming featuring French artists from the City of Light and beyond.
Philadelphia has always had more than a touch of the soul of Paris: The Ben Franklin Parkway, modeled after the Champs Elysée. The Seine-like Schuylkill River bordered by tree-lined pathways. The city's narrow streets and ironwork-trimmed homes. Its outdoor cafes, its Parisian walkability, and its spectacular French Impressionist collections at the Philadelphia Museum of Art and the renowned Barnes collection. Philadelphia has enough similarities to be the City of Light's nearest and dearest American sister."France is iconic in terms of its impact on the arts," says festival executive director J. Edward Cambron. "One hundred years ago, Paris was the epicenter of creativity. What happened during that time shaped how we defined the arts throughout the 20th century, and now, Philadelphia's cultural community is poised to fuel the same spirit of ingenious creativity. Plus, as always in America's birthplace, there is history here as well. Philadelphia¾going back to the days of founding fathers Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Jefferson¾has always held a special place in its heart for France, and especially Paris. PIFA gives us a spectacular way to highlight that connection, for both residents and visitors alike." PIFA, inspired by the Kimmel Center¾Philadelphia's renowned performing arts center and architectural gem that's more Pompidou than Louvre¾ pays homage to that spirit of collaboration and innovation that made magic in Paris 1910-1920. The festival will be a celebration of works from that era and new creations inspired by the brashly avant-garde spirit of the period. Through PIFA's launch, the vibrant cultural center that is Philadelphia and its neighboring communities will serve up a rich banquet of music, dance, fashion, fine arts, outdoor events, theatre, literature, cuisine and more, ensuring that just about everyone will find something irresistible to enjoy. Festival highlights include over 30 specially commissioned works as well as the participation of nearly 140 regional arts and cultural partner organizations.
"It provides an extraordinary opportunity for Philadelphia," remarked Michael Scullin, Consul of France in Philadelphia, "not only for our French and francophile communities, but really for all arts lovers and newcomers to experience the diversity of French artistry right in their backyard, without having to leave home." Pierre Vimont, French Ambassador to the United States, observed: "The Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts is an ideal way to further the strong bonds between France and the U.S., and particularly the longstanding connection between Paris and Philadelphia. I have always admired your city and its special commitment to the arts. I am delighted to see such diversity and vitality displayed in the festival's schedule. During this amazing French April in Philadelphia we encourage all people from France and the U.S. to attend and enjoy."
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