The sixth Ohio University Global Arts Festival and the 14th World Music and Dance Concert are set for March 17–19, 2026. This event marks 20 years of celebrating global arts in the Ohio community.
The festival promises to be a vibrant mix of free cultural activities, bringing together artists, performers, and scholars from around the globe. Attendees can look forward to afternoon and evening concerts, featuring groups like Napakò: A Coahuiltecan Creation Story by the Indigenous Cultures Institute. Other performances will include the Azagu Steel Band, the Ohio University Steel Band, and a special showcase of South American music by OHIO Faculty and Friends.
Another exciting highlight is an International Fashion Show, along with film screenings, art displays, lectures, and hands-on workshops. These events aim to ignite creativity and stimulate thought.
A standout moment will be the keynote speech by Hon. Abla Dzifa Gomashie, Ghana’s Minister of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts, who will address the festival during the International Conference on Spectrums of Creativity. Her speech is scheduled for March 19 from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. in the Baker University Center Theater.
The World Music and Dance Concert will feature a range of music and dance that celebrates various cultures. Performers include notable groups such as Azaguno, Inc.; Noyam African Dance Institute from Ghana; and the Ohio University African Ensemble. This program is a melting pot of traditions from places like Ghana, Brazil, Trinidad and Tobago, and the U.S.
This festival also marks a significant milestone for Professor Paschal Yao Younge, who is directing his final concert after two decades at Ohio University. He has played a crucial role in advancing global arts and international education at OHIO. In expressing his gratitude, Younge acknowledges the support he’s received from the university community since he began in 2005.
The Global Arts Festival, launched in 2019, built upon earlier events aimed at enriching cultural understanding, such as the AZA African Music and Dance Concert.
The festival’s sponsors include various departments and organizations within Ohio University, reflecting a strong collaborative effort. While most events are free, the World Music and Dance Concert requires a $15 ticket, though OHIO students can attend for free with a valid ID.
Such celebrations are essential as they foster community, showcase diversity, and provide opportunities to engage with different cultures. In a world increasingly sensitive to cultural expression, events like this highlight the importance of the arts in connecting people across boundaries.
For more info about the festival’s lineup and updates, check out the Global Arts Festival webpage.
