The XV edition of the International Festival of the Arts has been set for June 29 through July 9, eleven days in which San José, Costa Rica fills with art in its different forms bringing it closer to the people.

The major of San José, Johnny Araya and the Minister of Culture Sylvie Durán officially announced the dates and the activities the FIA will offer this year.

“This edition was thought out to continue with the concept of reclaiming the public spaces and the strengthening of a pacific culture where everyone can enjoy. We invite people to leave their car at home and just enjoy art in the city for eleven days”, commented Durán in the press release.

This year Argentina is the country chosen as a guest of honor, therefore, part of the offer of the festival will include presentations by Mora Godoy Tango, and Reverso Theater, and the music of the Academy Award and Grammy winner Gustavo Salaolalla who will be performing along with the Costa Rican Youth Symphonic Orchestra, to mention a few.

In total the International Festival of the Arts will have 56 international artistic presentations including shows from 17 countries, including many Latin American nations, and several European countries, Poland, Spain, Belgium, Holland, Germany and Italy; 31 national performances, and a total 1,500 artists between local and foreign talent.

This year’s budget is close to ¢900 million colones (close to $1.5 million USD), part of which comes from government funds (approx.¢600 million colones) and the rest comes from sponsorship ( approx.¢300 million colones), the Costa Rican Tourism Board is the main sponsor.

As it is tradition now, the FIA 2017 will take place in the capital city of San José, taking over 1.5 kilometers from the Antigua Aduana to the Central Park, and from the plaza in front of La Soledad Church towards the National Culture Center. In total there will be 17 sites hosting the event, but contrary to prior editions, this year La Sabana Park will not be one of them; this because the organizers feel that part of the appeal of this event is that art takes over the streets.

“This FIA 2017 is not just a party for all art lovers, but a window of opportunity to promote and support the development of our artists. We will be uniting two important networks of scenic arts in Europe and Latin America, the Euro-Latin-American Network of Scenic Arts and the Association for the Development of the Ibero-american Music Industry, formed by leaders of those areas and events. The representatives of this networks will be attending the events and will have the opportunity to appreciate the local talent which opens opportunities for all local artists,” explained the Minister of Culture.