Kindling Arts Festival has announced this year’s installment of the multi-day Festival, Thursday, July 18 through Sunday, July 21, making this the largest and most ambitious edition of the annual Festival. This programming features experimental performance works staged at Global Education Center and Begonia Labs, a project of the Engine for Art, Democracy, and Justice at Vanderbilt University, in addition to performances and works at OZ Arts Nashville, The Darkhorse Theatre, Nashville School for the Aerial Arts and Welcome to 1979.
The dynamic mix of artists leading these projects are working in new ways. Among the highlights in these added projects are exciting community gatherings, cutting-edge music and spoken word collaborations, and experimental readings of boundary-pushing new plays that speak to some of the most urgent issues of our time.
Global Education Center will be host to three theatrical productions. Additionally, multiple workshops from local dancers and storytellers will be hosted at the Global Education Center throughout the Festival weekend – check the Kindling Arts Festival page for more updates.
Just south of Centennial Park, gallery and innovation space Begonia Labs will be a new venue featured in this year’s Kindling Arts Festival. The former Scarlett Begonia storefront has been converted into a chic arts space by the team at the Engine for Art, Democracy, and Justice (EADJ) at Vanderbilt University. Begonia Labs will host multiple performances and community gatherings during the Festival.
The full line-up for Kindling Arts Festival 2024 includes a total of 22 unique artistic experiences, a new record for the landmark annual event that celebrates local contemporary performance.
“Kindling is dedicated to celebrating Nashville’s radically unique independent artists. This year, we are excited to explore the theme of ‘Imperfections,’ which is more than just a theme—it’s a powerful lens through which we can examine our humanity,” said Co-Artistic Directors Daniel Jones and Jessika Malone. “The performances this year highlight the courage and creativity of artists who confront and celebrate their flaws, inviting audiences to reflect on their own experiences. This theme reminds us that our imperfections make us unique and are often the source of our greatest strengths. We are overjoyed to share these thrilling, thought-provoking, and inspiring works with Nashville and hope the performances open up a space for deeper connections and authentic storytelling that resonates with our diverse community.”
Highlights of the “Imperfections”-themed line-up include an immersive dance-theater murder-mystery experience, an outdoor sports-theater event between costumed monsters and humans, hilarious comedy throwbacks, and a dazzling assortment of dance and performance art pieces that push the boundaries of local performance.
Individual tickets for all shows, starting as low as $15, and Standard and VIP Festival Passes are also on sale now at kindlingarts.com. Founded in 2018, Kindling Arts is one of the most vital resources for makers of contemporary performance in the Southeast. Now in its 7th year, Kindling’s core programming includes the annual Kindling Arts Festival, a multi-day celebration of local artists that showcases more than a dozen diverse performances and events in various venues throughout Nashville, as well as unique arts events year-round. For more information, visit: kindlingarts.com
