International Community Art Festival (ICAF) 29 March to 2 April 2017 in Rotterdam

From 29 March to 2 April 2017, Rotterdam turns into one large stage for applied theatre, dance, music, film and visual arts. That week the International Community Arts Festival (ICAF) brings together artists and visitors from all over the world to show the potential of art to surprise, inspire and connect people across borders, cultures and languages. From large-scale spectacles and intimate performances to serendipitous encounters with the people that make them: in this temporary creative world ideas are born and your imagination is set free.

The theme of ICAF 2017 is Movement! In the past year, we have specifically been scouting in Brazil for inspiring examples of how modern dance is literally used to make a difference in the life of underprivileged young people. ‘Movement’ could mean many things, including dance in, with and for communities. But it could as well refer to movement in terms of gesture and communication beyond the purely verbal. You could also think of the link between community art and activism, or community art itself as an international movement of which ICAF is an integral part.

At the turning point of various political shifts, the world seems more polarized than ever. The increasingly sharp divisions in our society inspired our team of curators to create a program with performances, seminars, workshops, and guests that all seek to bridge the distance between worlds and people from all walks of life  – in a way that at the same time celebrates life in all its diversity. Expect mixed-ability dance from Spain, a film about trash collectors and their trucks creating a stunning performance, a prison theatre group from Nicaragua and music by a passionate Marockin’ Brass band that was founded on the streets of Brussels – and much more!

About ICAF

The International Community Arts Festival is a festival built around the idea that community art is a worldwide cutting edge and highly relevant arts movement. ICAF is a unique festival experience: from large-scale performances to intimate film screenings and meetings with extraordinary artists and their participants. The day program of the festival offers the possibility of in-depth conversations, inspiration and exchange. The evenings are chock-full with live theater, dance, film and music performances.

More about ICAF here.

Artistic Director  of ICAF is Prof. Eugene van Erven (who is also the Head of the Department of Media- and Culture Studies at Utrecht University).