The 50th anniversary of The Columbus Arts Festival takes place on June 3-5 in the Discovery District. More than 230 artists from around the country were chosen out of 1,000 applicants to participate in the three-day event. The Greater Columbus Arts Council, which organizes the festival, decided to include more local artists and restaurants this year. New elements include an Emerging Artists program promoting a dozen Central Ohio artists; a mobile app enabling visitors to locate artists and food vendors; an adults-only area with hands-on art activities; exhibitions of local student artwork; and an art-making demonstration tent. Poets, spoken word artists, and nearly 20 bands representing a variety of musical genres will perform throughout the festival.
“This year’s festival is going to be really special because we launched a number of new initiatives in honor of the 50th anniversary,” said Jami Goldstein, Vice President of Marketing, Communications & Events for GCAC. “We plan to bring back all of these elements every year.”
Through a partnership with Dine Originals Columbus, the Arts Fest will offer special menus from local restaurants including Barcelona, Barrio Tapas Lounge, Black Creek Bistro, DeepWood, Due Amici, Elevator Brewery & Draught Haus, G. Michael’s Bistro, Katalina’s Café Corner, Mozart’s Bakery, The Refectory, Rigsby’s Kitchen, TASI Café, and The Top Steak House. The signature cocktail will be a vodka libation called “Liquid Art.”
The Columbus Arts Festival will run from 11:30 a.m. to 10:00 p.m. on June 3 and 4, and from 11:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on June 5. Organizers plan to move the event back to the Columbus Riverfront in 2012.
Alexandra Kelley is a featured writer for Columbus Underground.
