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About Us
The RiverArtsFest was formed in 2005. It
brought together two significant forces involved
in promoting public involvement in the visual
and performing arts,
Experience Art in Memphis
(formerly
Arts in the
Park)
and the
South Main
Association. Arts
in the Park was launched in 1984, and over the years
grew into an event attended by thousands of mid
southerners. The South Main Historic
District is home to some of the City's finest
art galleries. In
2006, a small contingent of former Arts in the
Park volunteers, board members and employees
joined together with South Main artists and
residents to create a new, stronger, fine arts
festival for Memphis. RiverArtsFest is
produced by Experience Art in Memphis, a 501(c)3
organization run by a volunteer board with more
than 200 additional volunteer committee members
and workers. Funding is generated by event
sponsorships, donations, grants and exhibitor
fees.
In 2007, our
inaugural event on the South Main site drew and
estimated crowd of 40,000 and generated rave
reviews from press, exhibitors and visitors
alike.
RiverArtsFest is an all volunteer effort.
Our
steering committee
is comprised of individuals from both
organizations along with former board members of
Arts in the Park. While we come from diverse
backgrounds we all share a genuine desire to
promote an appreciation of the Arts by the
citizens of our community.
Mission Statement:
Our mission is
to cultivate, promote, encourage and develop
public appreciation and support of the visual,
performing, literary and culinary arts for the
benefit, education and enjoyment of the citizens
of Memphis and surrounding communities in the
Mid South.
Our
Purpose:
In fulfillment
of our mission statement the RiverArtsFest
organization seeks to produce an annual event
located in the heart of our Downtown Arts
District. This festival is held annually
and is open to
the public. It features a juried exhibition in fine
art, youth art show, artists market, live
entertainment, culinary delights from downtown
restaurants, and children's art activities.
We invite you to come and be a part of something
special. |
