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Utah Travel Headlines

Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Utah Arts Festival Will Be June 23-26

The 35th annual Utah Arts Festival will run June 23-26, at Library Square in downtown Salt Lake City.

The event has grown to be a major regional festival, attracting visual and performing artists from all around the United States. This year there will be 159 visual artists, more than 100 performing arts groups, a film program, literary program, children's art yard, plus food and many kinds of activities.

The festival provided the information below. City Weekly has this interesting article about the history of the event.

Welcome from the Executive Director

Welcome to the 35th Anniversary of the Utah Arts Festival! From its first days on Main Street to its permanent home at Library Square, the Festival was always meant to be a gathering spot each summer to celebrate the arts and bring the community together. With initial funding from a Bicentennial Grant to celebrate the country's 100th birthday, and the enthusiasm of some talented individuals from the Salt Lake City Arts Council, the 1st Salt Lake City Festival of the Arts graced three blocks of Main Street in 1977.

Back then, 55 visual artists, 43 performing arts groups and 8 food artists participated in the Festival and the budget was $38,000. In 2011, 159 visual artists, more than 100 performing arts groups, a film program, literary program, children's art yard, demonstrating arts, commissions and awards make up the Festival. Oh, and the budget is now $1.6 million. Amazing what can happen in 35 years! I often think about the creators of this grand institution and wonder, "did they ever think the idea they had back in the 70s would turn into what it is today?" As the current stewards the Utah Arts Festial, the staff and board of directors look to continue the eff orts of our forefathers for many years to come! Enjoy.

Lisa Sewell
Executive Director

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