Since the Delhi International Arts Festival made its debut in December 2007, this multi-art multi-venue annual gala, conceived and organised by the Prasiddha Foundation, has become one of the most accessible, innovative and exciting cultural gatherings in the capital. Over the years, it has taken the shape of an umbrella festival for several short duration events as well. This year’s line-up has artists from all corners of the globe.
A platform for international cultural tourism, DIAF also provides a significant and effective forum for cultural diplomacy. This year too will be an amalgam of multi-discipline events: music, dance, theatre, cuisine, art exhibitions, literature, poetry, folk art, international acts, western music, traditional theatre and martial arts.
Events will be held at multiple venues from theatres like Kamani Auditorium and Siri Fort to large open-air venues like Central Park, Chandni Chowk, Dilli Haat and Pragati Maidan. The opening and closing ceremonies are slated to be held at Purana Qila and will feature Sufi singers from Pakistan, Iran and Turkey, Maya Dance Group from Singapore, jazz groups from Norway and India and many more artistes.
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Over three weeks, the festival will see a wide range of performances, including a concert by a violin trio from Belgium, Hungary and Delhi; a magic show from Ireland; a play by the Cameri theatre from Israel; and an art exhibition from Russia. DIAF 2012 also features a number of collaborations by artists, including one in the Amphitheatre of India Habitat Centre on November 9; music from Norway, shehnaai from Lucknow, sarod from Kolkata and sitar from Pune.
Festival director and principal promoter Prathibha Prahlad is a well known classical dancer and a cultural activist. “Our mission is to be the most exciting, innovative and accessible festival in this part of the world, and promote the cultural, economic and social projection of India as a global soft power. This high visibility as a diverse, dynamic, peaceful, multicultural, refined and tolerant nation will also serve to attract potential investors from around the world,” she says.
This Edition of DIAF will see performances from 30 countries including Pakistan, Hungry, Bangladesh, Czech, Poland, Turkey, Iran, Greece as well as from different parts of India. Cutting across geographical barriers and cultural stereotypes, the festival will see collaborations between artists united by art.
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Bottomline: One of the most accessible, innovative and exciting cultural gatherings in the capital.
Delhi International Arts Festival 2012
When:October 27 to November 10
Where:Multiple venues across New Delhi
More details:www.diaf.in