Philly is cranking up the volume this spring with the Philadelphia International Festival of the Arts (PIFA), inspired by the Kimmel Center. From April 7 to May 1, 2011, the city hosts an art and cultural lineup worthy of the new milennium. PIFA will be a three-week extravaganza offering performances, exhibits and events based on the philosophy of collaboration, innovation and creativity.
The buzz started in Brooklyn at a party I attended at Grounded Aerial’s rehearsal studios. I caught a sneak peek of some of the best events PIFA will unveil this April. On my way back to Manhattan, I sent out a flurry of text messages to friends to begin planning our Philly adventure.
PIFA’s programs represent every arts discipline, a nod to the artistic energy of Paris 1910-1920. The programming extends throughout numerous local and cultural establishments throughout Philadelphia, but most will radiate from The Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts. In addition to the landslide of exhibitions and performances, PIFA just announced a killer lineup of guest speakers ranging from music critics & museum curators to Eileen Blumenthal, the Director of International Puppet Training for Sesame Street. The Philadelphia Museum of Art will unveil a huge Chagall exhibition to coincide with the festival’s program, the Philadelphia Orchestra and Pennsylvania Ballet are teaming up for an extravagant collaborative performance of Pulcinella Alive. The elaborate Green Fairy Cabaret will dazzle spectators. Additionally, daily French lessons will be offered, trapeze classes are planned five times a day, and a 90-foot Eiffel Tower will be erected to highlight the Parisian theme.
There will be no shortage of artsy boys and girls out and about in Philly. Woody’s, Bike Stop, Tavern on Camac should all be on your drink list when you go. If you haven’t planned your visit yet, be sure to check out the GayCities PIFA guide, book a room at one of our recommended Philadelphia hotels, and connect with our friends at Greater Philadelphia Tourism. Stay tuned for more information and exclusive interviews with PIFA participants…
Photo Credit: Jeffrey James Keyes
