From camping with kangaroos in the Flinders Ranges and discovering the laneways of Adelaide, to cruising down Australia’s longest river (Murray River) on a houseboat, NationalGeographic.com today shares 30 of the most amazing adventures available in South Australia.

Mine Tunnel: Modern tunneling technology has replaced the old means of picks and shovels in the opal mines of Coober Pedy, South Australia. After tunneling, the sandstone will be “noodled”—or searched—under UV light in pursuit of the gemstones. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

The hub is a result of an ongoing partnership with the state of South Australia, where each of the 30 articles featured showcase a unique experience in the region. In addition, the hub includes stunning photo galleries, an interactive map, a South Australia guide with basic information for those looking to plan a visit, and videos that bring the destination and its experiences to life.

Gawler Ranges ‘Roo: More than two million kangaroos inhabit South Australia, with hundreds of them gathering on the plains below the Gawler Ranges. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

South Australia is home to Kangaroo Island (known for its abundant wildlife), the famedBarossa wine region, and the charming capital, Adelaide. The fourth largest of Australia’s six states, South Australia is located in the southern half of the country. Described as the “perfect host city”, Adelaide was named one of the “Top 52 Places to Go” in 2015 by The New York Times. Surrounded by parklands and home to just over 1 million people, the central business district is one square mile – perfect for exploring the popular museums, historic buildings, wide streets and renowned cafes and restaurants. The celebrated Central Market, the largest covered market in the southern hemisphere, bursts with atmosphere all year round. From fresh seafood to gourmet cheeses and baked goods – the market is a special place for locals and visitors alike. South Australia is also a haven for wine lovers.

Over 60% of all exported Australian wines come from the state’s top wine regions including the Barossa, the Clare Valley and Coonawarra Outdoor adventure activities such as hiking, diving and mountain biking are abundant in this nature-filled state. South Australia arguably has the most accessible native wildlife in the country. Thrill seekers can swim with sharks on the Eyre Peninsula or others after something a little less daring (but just as spectacular) can catch a glimpse of a sea-lion colony on Kangaroo Island. Known as the “Gateway to the Outback,” South Australia is also home to Coober Pedy, the world’s opal mining capital.

Bearded Dragon: The bearded dragon gets its name from its ability to puff out the spiky underside of its neck when threatened. It can change colors—such as to black, like this one—if the lizard feels threatened. The reptile species originates from Australia. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

Bedroll Carriage: In Australia, a “swag” is a bedroll used for camping in the bush. Many resorts offer visitors this option, but some places—like the Kangaluna Camp in the Gawler Ranges—takes the idea to another level with an advanced outdoor bed, as pictured here. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

ADDITIONAL EXPERIENCES FEATURED ON THE SITE INCLUDE:

LIVE THE STATION LIFE: Staying in workers’ quarters on an outback cattle or sheep station

HIKE THE HEYSEN: Australia’s longest hiking trail

SAIL AWAY TO KANGAROO ISLAND: A refuge for wildlife, fine scenery and beaches off the coast

TRACK THE OUTBACK: Focusing on the outback tracks of the northern desert region

EXPLORE AN ANCIENT CULTURE: From ancient Aboriginal sites and rock art to indigenous guided tours in the Flinders Ranges

RIDE THE GHAN: Australia’s most iconic rail trip from Adelaide north through the central Australian desert

TOUR THE WINE TRAILS: Explore South Australia’s renowned wine districts

HEAD UNDERGROUND IN COOBER PEDY: Stay in the famous opal mining town where the searing heat drives residents underground (http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/south-australia-adventures/head-underground-in-coober-pedy/)

Mining Truck: Modern mining machinery has made its way into Coober Pedy. Originally, opal was mined from the rock in the area using pick and shovel. As the holes became deeper, hand-operated winches were used to bring up waste, followed by blower trucks—huge vacuum cleaners—to suck out mullock, or waste, from the mines. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

Underground Church: The Church of St. Elijah the Prophet, a Serbian Orthodox church in Coober Pedy, was carved out in 1993 by Serbian-Australians who had settled in the area. Thanks to its underground location, it remains an attraction in the area. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

FLIGHTSEE LAKE EYRE: See Australia’s largest lake, a huge white salt pan when dry, teeming with life when deluged by infrequent rains

RIDE A CAMEL: Follow in the footsteps of the early cameleers

COOK UP A STORM: Join celebrity chefs for cheese making, gourmet retreats and world cooking feasts

Delicious Dish: At restaurant Orana, where prime ingredients mingle with indigenous plants, Scottish chef Jock Zonfrillo has cultivated one of the most interesting menus in Adelaide. This dish consists of mussels, custard, and sea blight. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

SPOT ELUSIVE WILDLIFE: Wildlife parks and locations in the wild for sightseeing Australia’s weird and wonderful fauna

Emu Mob: Female emus have it easy when it comes to child rearing. They often fight over mates, but after the females lay their eggs over the course of several days (usually multiple times during a breeding season), the males then incubate the eggs. After hatching, the male will raise the chicks, staying together as a family unit until the next breeding season. As a result, you might see huge mobs of them wandering around. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

WHALE WATCH: Best coastal venues for spotting southern right whales on their migration

SWIM WITH THE WILDLIFE: Swim with dolphins or sea lions

River Renewal: A renewal project is under way on the banks of the River Torrens. Still in its early stages, the riverside already has areas for walking, running, and cycling. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

CELEBRATE A FESTIVAL: South Australia’s best events

CYCLE THE STATE: Best rides and trails in South Australia

HEAD FOR THE HILLS: Escape to the city to Germanic Hahndorf and other towns of the Adelaide Hills

FOSSIL HUNT: Overview of fossil hunting and sites such as Ediacara Hills in the Flinders, Emu Bay (Kangaroo Island), Naracoorte Caves, opalized fossils in Coober Pedy and more

DIVE A SHIPWRECK: Best wreck dives in South Australia

Sunrise at Wilpena Pound National Park. Then shots of the Cazneaux Tree followed by old dead River Red Gum tree at entrance to Wilpena Pound National Park. This red river gum tree was the subject of early Australian photographer Harold Cazneaux’s acclaimed photo, “The Spirit of Endurance,” taken in 1937. The South Australian government has designated it as a regulated and significant tree, and it’s known throughout the state simply as Cazneaux’s tree. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

WALK THE WILDERNESS: From coastal walks to Flinders Range

DRIVE THE ROAD LESS TRAVELED: Coastal, winery, hill and desert drives

Beach Culture: Paddleboarders get ready to head out on the water. Beach culture is an important part of life in Adelaide. At Noarlunga Beach and others throughout Australia, kids as young as five years old will sign up for water safety classes. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

COMB THE BEST BEACHES: A rundown of beaches, popular and deserted

LEARN ABOUT WINE: Courses, tastings and all things wine

EXPLORE LOCAL MARKETS: From Adelaide’s bustling Central Market to regional repositories of local produce

SURF THE BREAKS: From the Nullarbor to Kangaroo Island

TOUR THE OUTBACK: Four-wheel-drive tours well off the beaten track

GO CAVING: From the Nullarbor to Naracoorte, Aboriginal rock art and stalactites to technical exploration

LANEWAYS OF ADELAIDE: A tour of Adelaide’s rejuvenated streets and laneways such Peel Street, Bank Street, Leigh Street and Gilbert Place

Adelaide Central Market: Azou Bouilouta offers up a date from LeSouk, his stall in the Adelaide Central Market. The largest covered market in the Southern Hemisphere, the Adelaide Central Market runs year-round and has been a hub of food and culture for 145 years. In addition to fresh food, the market features cafés, eateries, and more. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

Rundle Street: Rundle Street in Adelaide’s East End keeps its historic feel even as the area becomes more modernized. Two decades of redevelopment—including refurbishments and upgrades to the entire street—have made this a go-to spot in Adelaide for cafés, restaurants, and shopping. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

“We are excited to share with our consumers the vast array of experiences South Australia has to offer,” says Kimberly Connaghan, vice president and publisher of National Geographic Travel. “We began this program by sending photographers, Dan Westergren and Spencer Milsap, on assignment in South Australia in November. The photographers used NatGeoTravel’s Instagram account (now up to 7.7MM followers) to create excitement about the project and the response was overwhelming. Shortly after posting, photos received over a million likes. The images capture the authenticity of South Australia, from its people to the beauty of the landscape and natural world.”

Says Rodney Harrex, Chief Executive of the South Australian Tourism Commission, “We are thrilled that Nationalgeographic.com has captured such a compelling portrayal of our state’s stunning vacation experiences. Their stories truly demonstrate that South Australia is a place that curious-minded travelers must visit.”

Bridge to Bright Lights: A new pedestrian bridge leads to the brightly lit roof of the Adelaide Festival Centre and Adelaide Oval stadium beyond. Photograph by Daniel R. Westergren

(South Australia’s Adventures of a Lifetime can be accessed via the new dedicated online hub, at: http://travel.nationalgeographic.com/travel/south-australia-adventures/.)

On March 1, NationalGeographic.com will host a sweepstakes, offering a chance to win a South Australia Adventure of a Lifetime. The winner will receive a trip for two and get to experience many of the adventures listed above.

National Geographic Partners LLC, a joint venture between National Geographic Society and 21st Century Fox, combines National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s media and consumer-oriented assets, including National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities that include travel, location-based entertainment, archival sales, catalog, licensing and e-commerce businesses. A portion of the proceeds from National Geographic Partners LLC will be used to fund science, exploration, conservation and education through significant ongoing contributions to the work of the National Geographic Society.

For more information on travel to South Australia, contact the South Australian Tourism Commission at 323.503.4210 or visit www.southaustralia.com, and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. For more information on National Geographic Partners LLC, visit www.nationalgeographic.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Google+, YouTube, LinkedIn and Pinterest.

This spring, The Asia Society presents Season of Japan, a celebration of Japanese culture held in conjunction with the exhibition Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan, on view at Asia Society Museum in New York from February 9 to May 8, 2016.

With over thirty rare masterpieces from the Kamkura period (1185–1333) from private and museum collections in North America and Europe, “Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan” is the first exhibition to look beyond the aesthetics and technical achievements of these remarkable sculptures, and specifically examine the relationship between realism and the sacred empowerment of these objects. The exhibition explores how sculptures are “brought to life” or “enlivened” by the spiritual connection between exterior form, interior contents, and devotional practice, reflecting the complexity and pluralism of the period. “Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan” marks the first major loan show of Kamakura sculpture in the United States in more than thirty years.

Head of a Guardian King. Kamakura period, 13th century. Polychromed Japanese cypress (hinoki) with lacquer on cloth, inlaid crystal eyes and filigree metal crown. H. 22 1/16 x W. 10 1/4 x D. 13 15/16 in. (56 x 26 x 35.5 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Gift of Mr. and Mrs. Alastair B. Martin, the Guennol Collection, 86.21. Courtesy of Brooklyn Museum.

The exhibition also coincides with the 60th anniversary year of Asia Society, which was founded in 1956 by John D. Rockefeller 3rd. The Museum is known for its Mr. and Mrs. John D. Rockefeller 3rd Collection of traditional Asian artworks, which was formed in earnest after the establishment of Asia Society in 1956. With the guidance of the noted scholar of Asian art Sherman Lee, John D. Rockefeller 3rd and Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller chose classical masterpieces of Asian art rather than building a historical survey. Although the collection comprises approximately 300 objects, it is nevertheless regarded as one of the most notable collections of Asian art in the United States. It includes objects from diverse nations such as Bangladesh, Cambodia, China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Korea, Myanmar, Nepal, Pakistan, Thailand, and Vietnam that date from the eleventh century BCE to the nineteenth century CE. It has particular strengths in Chinese ceramics of the Song and Ming periods, Chola-period Indian bronzes, and Southeast Asian sculptures.

Kōshun (active 1315–1328). The Shinto Deity Hachiman in the Guise of a Buddhist Monk. Kamakura period, dated 1328. Polychromed Japanese cypress (hinoki) with inlaid crystal eyes. H. 32 x W. 36 3/4 x D. 24 in. (81.3 x 93.3 x 61 cm). Museum of Fine Arts, Boston; Maria Antoinette Evans Fund and Contributions, 36.413. Photograph © 2016 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

The collection was a promised gift to the Society and served as a primary impetus for the building of the Society’s headquarters at 725 Park Avenue, which opened to the public in 1981. The artworks were given to Asia Society upon the death of Mr. Rockefeller in 1978, and the collection now encompasses the original gift plus a number of objects bequeathed from the estate of Blanchette Hooker Rockefeller and subsequent acquisitions.

Zaō Gongen. Kamakura period, 13th century. Iron. H. 12 1/2 x W. 6 1/2 x D. 3 3/4 in. (31.8 x 16.5 x 9.5 cm). John C. Weber Collection. Photo: John Bigelow Taylor

In the early 1990s, Asia Society Museum became one of the first American museums to establish a program of contemporary Asian art. A recognized leader in identifying and fostering contemporary Asian and Asian American artists, the Museum announced the establishment of a Contemporary Art Collection in 2007, launched with a gift of twenty-eight works of video and new media art. The collection aims to represent the rapidly evolving field of contemporary art across Asia. The first phase of the collecting program is focused on video, animation, and new media works of art. In addition, Asia Society Museum was the first U.S. museum to organize solo shows of the now widely recognized artists Montien Boonma, Cai Guo-Qiang, Dinh Q. Lê, Yuken Teruya, Lin Tianmiao, and Zhang Huan.

“John D. Rockefeller 3rd’s first trip to Asia was to Japan, and he, like countless others, fell in love with the country. Later in life, he and his wife came to see Japan as a second home,” said Josette Sheeran, President and CEO of Asia Society. “It is fitting that in the year of our 60th anniversary, Asia Society is celebrating Japan and its dynamic culture.”

Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan is made possible by the generous support of The National Endowment for the Arts. Major support for this exhibition is also provided by the Mary Livingston Griggs and Mary Griggs Burke Foundation, Etsuko O. Morris and John H. Morris Jr. Other generous underwriters includes The Kitano Hotel New York, the Japan Foundation, The Blakemore Foundation, Peggy and Richard Danziger, Japanese Art Dealers Association, Helen Little, Toshiba International Foundation, John C. Weber, and the Ellen Bayard Weedon Foundation. Additional support is provided by Sebastian Izzard, Leighton R. Longhi, Joan B. Mirviss, and Erik Thomsen.

Following is a list of confirmed programs and events. All events, unless indicated, take place at Asia Society in New York, 725 Park Avenue (at 70th Street). Find out more about upcoming programs, including information about registration and ticket purchase, at AsiaSociety.org/SeasonofJapan.

POLICY DISCUSSION
Japan’s New Security Posture: Implications for Asia and the World
Wednesday, February 3 • 8:00-10:00am

Discussion with Japan’s Deputy Foreign Minister Shinsuke Sugiyama and Asia Society Policy Institute President Kevin Rudd about Japan’s role as a regional and global security provider.

LECTURE
Members-Only Exhibition Opening Lecture
Tuesday, February 9 • 6:30-7:30pm

Guest curator Ive Covaci gives members an inside look at Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan. Covaci is a lecturer in Art History at Fairfield University.

CELEBRATE THE SEASON OF JAPAN
Leo Bar Happy Hour
Friday, February 12 • 6:00-9:00pm

A night of fun and culture at a Japanese-themed happy hour. Free museum tours of Kamakura: Realism and Spirituality in the Sculpture of Japan, music, specialty cocktails, shopping at AsiaStore, and origami demonstrations.

SYMPOSIUM
Keynote address and exhibition viewing at Asia Society
Friday, February 26 • 6:30-9:00pm

Interdisciplinary symposium (held at Columbia University)
Saturday, February 26-27 • All day

This interdisciplinary symposium will gather leading scholars of Kamakura period art, religion, and literature. On the eve of the symposium, Mimi Yiengpruksawan of Yale University will deliver a keynote address at Asia Society.

PERFORMANCE
Theater Japan / NOH and KYOGEN
Sunday, February 28 • 6:30-8:00pm

A rare opportunity to experience traditional Japanese theater in New York. Master performers of Noh and Kyogen will explain the form’s essentials: the stage, dance, music, costume, masks, and props. The evening includes a talk (in Japanese with English translation), a demonstration by the artists, and Q&A. Presented in conjunction with An Evening of Japanese Traditional Theatre, taking place on March 1 at Carnegie Hall.

FILM
Of Ghosts, Samurai and War: Classic Japanese Film
March 4-19

Japanese cinema has produced some of the most admired films that continue to enrich the world cinema discourse. The Asia Society and the Japan Foundation will screen rare 35mm prints of masterpieces by such greats as Akira Kurosawa, Kenji Mizoguchi, and Kaneto Shindo from the Foundation’s Film Library.

Friday, March 4

Rashomon (1950) 88 min. B&W
Directed by Akira Kurosawa, starring Toshiro Mifune, Machiko Kyo and Masayuki Mori.

Saturday, March 5

The New Tale of the Taira Clan (1955) 108 min. Color
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, starring Raizo Ichikawa and Yoshiko Kuga.

Sunday, March 6

Kwaidan (1965) 183 min. Color
Directed by Masaki Kobayashi, music by Toru Takamitsu, starring Katsuo Nakamura, Keiko Kishi, Michiyo Aratama and Rentaro Mikuni.
Friday, March 11

Ugetsu (1953) 97 min. B&W
Directed by Kenji Mizoguchi, starring Machiko Kyo, Kinuyo Tanaka and Masayuki Mori.
Sunday, March 13

Miyamoto Musashi (1961) 110 min. Color
Directed by Tomu Uchida, starring Kinnosuke Nakamura and Michiyo Kogure.
Friday, March 18

Brave Records of the Sanada Clan (1963) 90 min. Color
Directed by Tai Kato, starring Kinnosuke Yorozuya and Misako Watanabe.
Saturday, March 19

Onibaba (1964) 103 min. B&W
Directed by Kaneto Shindo, starring Nobuko Otowa and Jitsuko Yoshimura.

DISCUSSION
3-11 and 9-11 Survivor Stories
Tuesday, March 8 • 6:30-8:00pm

The Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 and the ensuing tsunami and nuclear accident brought unprecedented trauma and challenges for residents of northern Japan. Four nearly four years, a unique outreach program has connected New Yorkers with profound experiences of 9-11 to the people of Tohoku, Japan. Small groups of people from New York and Tohoku have traveled back and forth in a healing exchange that has yielded life-changing results. This special event features representatives from New York and Tohoku, a short documentary film, and a conversation

about the power of human connection and healing.

POLICY DISCUSSION
Japan After TPP (held in Washington, D.C.), Wednesday, March 9

Discussion with Wendy Cutler, Vice President, Asia Society Policy Institute. Cutler most recently served as Acting Deputy U.S. Trade Representative, playing a central role in negotiating the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP).

PERFORMANCES
Recycling: Washi Tales
Thursday and Friday, March 24-25 • 8:00-9:30pm

Recycling: Washi Tales, which will be staged at Asia Society on March 24 and 25, uses live performance to enliven the human stories contained in sheet of “washi,” Japanese handmade paper, as it is recycled through time. (Valerie Oliveiro)

Recycling: Washi Tales uses live performance to enliven human stories contained in sheet of washi, Japanese handmade paper, as it is recycled through time. Four tales of paper making from different periods of Japanese history unfold on stage with an extraordinary ensemble of performers and musicians, in a world created by distinguished paper artist, Kyoko Ibe.

LITERATURE
Monkey Business: Japan/America Writers’ Dialogue, April 30

The Japan/America Writers’ Dialogue is an annual conversation between contemporary Japanese and American authors. Curated and moderated by the co-founders and editors of the Tokyo-based literary journal Monkey Business, the program features writers published in the journal’s latest edition. Co-presented by Asia Society and Japan Foundation, and held in conjunction with the annual PEN World Voices Festival.

ASIAN PACIFIC HERITAGE MONTH CELEBRATION
Leo Bar Happy Hour
Friday, May 6 • 6:00-9:00pm

The Asia Society celebrates the diversity and dynamism of Asian Americans in New York City with a free night of fun and culture. Featuring free museum tours, live music, Japanese food, and more.

FILM
New York Japan CineFest, June 4-5 • 6:30pm

This festival of short films by Japanese and Japanese American filmmakers shines a spotlight on young talents. Encompassing documentary, animation, live action, and experimental shorts, the festival focuses on the independent filmmakers who committed to making their full potential to express their voice and vision to the world.

Additionally, AsiaStore Events include:

• Origami Demonstration with origami masters Michael G. LaFosse and Richard Alexander, Friday, February 12, 12:00pm to 3:00pm. Origami kits and books available for purchase and signing.
• Kokeshi Dolls by the Hodsdons, demonstration and sale, Friday, March 11 from 12:00pm to 3:30pm. Husband and wife team Lisa and Jacob Hodsdon craft modern interpretations of traditional Japanese Kokeshi dolls.
• Fashions by Meiko Mintz sale event, Tuesday and Wednesday, March 15-16, from 12:00pm to 3:30pm. Born on the Japanese island of Kyushu, Mintz utilizes vintage Japanese kimonos, Indonesian batik, and Indian Kantha infusing fresh and modern design elements into her fashions.

The Kamakura period (1185-1333) is considered a pinnacle of Japanese artistic expression, often described as a renaissance in Buddhist art. The exhibition catalogue by Ive Covaci is the first in over two decades to examine the exquisite sculpture of this period, artwork characterized by an intense corporeal presence, naturalistic proportions, a sense of movement, realistic drapery, and lifelike facial expressions animated by eyes made of inlaid crystal. The sculptures played an important role in the practice of Buddhism during these years, as the vivid representations facilitated an immediate communion between deity and worshipper. The custom of placing sacred relics, texts, and even miniature icons into the sculptures’ hollow interiors further enlivened the works and invested them with spiritual significance. Essays by noted scholars explore the sculptures’ arresting exteriors and powerful interiors, examining the technical and stylistic innovations that made them possible, and offering new context for their ritual and devotional uses. They demonstrate that the physical beauty and technical brilliance of Kamakura statues are profoundly associated with their spiritual dimension and devotional functions.

North Carolina 13-Year-Old Awarded U.S. Grand Prize; Dutch 13-Year-Old Takes Worldwide Title

With his photo titled “Bridge of Mystery,” 13-year-old Logan Wagner has captured the grand prize in the U.S. competition of the National Geographic Kids International Photography Contest, winning an eight-day National Geographic Grand Canyon, Bryce and Zion National Parks Family Adventure. (natgeokids.com/contests/ipc-winners)

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids: U.S. GRAND PRIZE: Logan Wagner. Title of photo: Bridge of Mystery. Description: A foggy day on the Mile High Swinging Bridge of Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. DOB: 1-21-2003 (12 years old) City/State: Cornelius, North Carolina

National Geographic Kids teaches kids about the world and how it works, empowering them to succeed and make it a better place. It inspires young adventurers through award-winning magazines, books, apps, games, toys, videos, events and a website, and is the only kids brand with a world-class scientific organization at its core.

Wagner’s photo was selected from nearly 3,000 U.S. entries from young photographers across four categories: Amazing Animals (photos of pets, zoo animals or wild animals); Dare to Explore (photos of outdoor scenery); Weird But True (photos that capture something odd or funny); and Wild Vacation (photos taken during vacation travels).

Open to children ages 6 to 14, the four category winners in the U.S. competition were:

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US Competition): AMAZING ANIMALS 1st Place Winner’s name: Kathryn Kovacic Title of photo: Green Tree Snake. Description: A green tree snake wraps itself around a tree. DOB: 4-7-2006 (9 years old) City/State: Kennesaw, Georgia

Kathryn Kovacic, 9, Kennesaw, Georgia — Amazing Animals

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids: U.S. GRAND PRIZE/Dare to Explore 1st Place Winner: Logan Wagner. Title of photo: Bridge of Mystery. Description: A foggy day on the Mile High Swinging Bridge of Grandfather Mountain, North Carolina. DOB: 1-21-2003 (12 years old) City/State: Cornelius, North Carolina

Logan Wagner, 13, Cornelius, North Carolina — Dare to Explore

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US Competition): Weird But True 1st Place Winner’s name: Chase Rodi. Title of photo: Thermal Pool Of Yellowstone. Description: This photo shows the weird and mystifying colors of the thermal pool in Yellowstone National Park. The colors are actually made up of very old bacteria boiling water. DOB: 4-23-2002 (13 years old). City/State: San Diego, California

Chase Rodi, 13, San Diego, California — Weird But True

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US Competition): Wild Vacation 1st Place Winner’s name: Henry Downing. Title of photo: Over Our Heads. Description: N/A DOB: 1-5-2005 (10 years old). City/State: McCamey, Texas

Henry Downing, 11, McCamey, Texas — Wild Vacation

The photos from each of the four U.S. category winners, along with the worldwide grand-prize winner, will be featured in the May 2016 U.S. edition of National Geographic Kids magazine, reaching approximately four million U.S. readers.

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US Competition): AMAZING ANIMALS 2nd Place Winner: Anna Henderson. Title of photo: Peaceful Praying Mantis. Description: A green praying mantis with a blue background, standing there waiting for a snack. DOB: 5-2-2003 (12 years old). City/State: Crozet, Virginia

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US Competition): DARE TO EXPLORE 2nd Place Winner: Emily Crofoot. Title of photo: Motorcycle at the Lake. Description: N/A DOB: 1-1-2003 (12 years old). City/State: Sacramento, California

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US Competition): Weird But True 2nd Place Winner’s name: Madison Raymo. Title of photo: Airplane Over the Moon. Description: N/A DOB: 3-7-2002 (13 years old) City/State: Emmett, Michigan

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (US): Wild Vacation 2nd Place Winner’s name: Madison Bell. Title of photo: Sunset Ride. Description: A kite surfer rides the waves at Huntington Beach, CA. DOB: 12-8-2000 (14 years old). City/State: Smyrna, Georgia

“Photography is an excellent way for people — and especially kids — to show their perspective on the world. What they produce is eye-catching, inventive and sometimes surprising, and we continue to be impressed by the contest entries,” said Rachel Buchholz, editor-in-chief of National Geographic Kids magazine (U.S.). “This year, we not only expanded our contest to Australia/New Zealand and Portugal, but we also received the largest number of entries in the worldwide competition. It’s encouraging to see kids actively participating in photography and engaged in the world around them.”

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (International): Grand Prize Winner / 1st Place Amazing Animals: Senne Mensink Age: 13, Netherlands. Title: Grasshopper on Sunflower Leaf. Description: This grasshopper is eating a leaf. I took this photo in the garden, there was the grasshopper eating.  He had eaten a hole in the leaf.  The sun was shining, that’s why you can see the body through the leaf.  I took the picture with my mother’s phone. This was in the summer.

In the worldwide contest, 13-year-old Senne Mensink from the Netherlands won the 2015 International Photography Contest grand prize for her close-up portrait of a grasshopper peeking through a leaf. She has won a five-day, four-night trip to Washington, D.C., and a tour of National Geographic headquarters.

The worldwide competition was conducted in partnership with the U.S. edition of National Geographic Kids magazine and 11 local-language editions. This year’s worldwide winning photos were selected from more than 17,500 entries — an increase from last year’s program — from the United States, Australia/New Zealand, Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Netherlands, Portugal, Slovenia, Turkey and the United Kingdom.

Each country held a national contest and, in the final round, sent one photo from each of the four categories to National Geographic headquarters for judging in the worldwide contest.

The four category winners in the worldwide competition of the International Photography Contest were:

Senne Mensink, 13, Netherlands — Amazing Animals

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (International): Runner Up/Dare to Explore 1st Place Winner: Radostina Georgieva Todorova. Age 8, Bulgaria. Title: Even the Longest Tunnel Has an End. Description: Even the longest tunnel ends up with light. The Erma river gorge, Bulgaria

Radostina Georgieva Todorova, 8, Bulgaria — Dare to Explore

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (International): Runner Up/Weird But True 1st Place Winner: Tadhg Verdier. Age 11, Ireland. Title: Headstone. Description: Quirky picture of his cute little sister after she’d been buried under the sparkling stones of Ballyhillin Beach in Co. Donegal, Ireland by her dad.

Tadhg Verdier, 11, Ireland — Weird But True

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (International): Runner-Up/Wild Vacation 1st Place Winner: Henry Downing Age 10, United States. Title: Over Our Heads. Description: Photo was taken at the International Balloon Fiesta in Albuquerque, New Mexico

Henry Downing, 11, United States — Wild Vacation.

National Geographic Kids magazine launched in the United States in 1975 as National Geographic World magazine. There are now 17 local-language editions, the most recent being the Portuguese edition, which launched in December 2015, and the Australia/New Zealand edition, which debuted in June 2015. Other local-language editions are available in Bulgaria, China, Egypt, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Slovenia, South Africa (Afrikaans and English), Spain, Turkey and the United Kingdom. National Geographic Kids has a worldwide circulation of approximately 1.6 million.

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (International): Amazing Animals 2nd Place Winner: Julij Kopilović. Age 8, Slovenia. Title: The Giant. ‘Giant’ was taken on Bali where I was vacationing with my family. While watching the island animals, an iguana came by, posing for me. My parents warned me not to come too close but the locals said it was not aggressive, so I wasn’t afraid of it at all.

2015 National Geographic International Photography Contest for Kids (International): Dare to Explore 2nd Place Winner: Josephine Jennifer Tjahjadie Age 11. Indonesia

Running March 4–13, 2016, Filmmakers from 40 Countries Will Exhibit 129 Feature, Documentary, and Short Films

Monica Bellucci, Iciar Bollaín, Gavin Hood and Deepa Mehta will all receive tributes in a new Marquee Series to be presented at the 33rd edition of Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival scheduled for March 4 – 13, 2016. The 10-day annual event takes place at the Festival’s traditional home, the historic Olympia Theater in Downtown Miami, plus six additional cinemas scattered across the Miami; and includes a plethora of screenings, stylish parties, thoughtful panel discussions, spirited film competitions, awards ceremonies and immersive cultural exchange opportunities for filmmakers attending from across the globe.

Official Poster of the 33rd annual Miami Dade College’s Miami International Film Festival

Additionally, director Andrew Currie‘s comedy The Steps, starring James Brolin, will receive its US Premiere at the Festival as the Closing Night selection. The Festival is the only major film festival worldwide produced by a college or university.

The new announcements join Alex de la Iglesia‘s My Big Night, previously announced as the Opening Night Selection, as the Festival’s major touchstones. The pop comedy My Big Night stars Spanish recording legend Raphael, who will open the Festival with a personal appearance at the March 4th screening.

Celebrating its 33rd annual edition, the MIAMI DADE COLLEGE’S MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL is considered the preeminent film festival for showcasing Ibero-American cinema in the U.S., and a major launch pad for all international and documentary cinema. The annual Festival entertains more than 60,000 audience members and over 400 filmmakers, producers, talent and industry professionals. In the last five years, the Festival has screened films from more than 60 countries, including 300 World, International, North American, U.S. and East Coast Premieres. The MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL‘s special focus on Ibero-American cinema has made the Festival a natural gateway for the discovery of new talent from this diverse territory. The Festival also offers unparalleled educational opportunities to film students and the community at large. Major sponsors of the 2016 Festival include THE KNIGHT FOUNDATION, LEXUS and MIAMI-DADE COUNTY. (For more information, visit www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM(3456.)

“This year’s lineup is like a prism that invites Miami to see the world with an illumination that only the cinema, and the artists that create the work, can provide,” says theFestival’s Executive Director and Director of Programming, Jaie Laplante. “The programmers have populated the program with films and events that are essential to the complex, dynamic, ever-changing Miami of the now.“

This year’s Festival showcases 129 films, including 100 feature films and documentaries and 29 short films produced and directed by both renowned and emerging talent from 40 countries. Forty-six are directed or co-directed by women.The Festival is pleased to announce numerous important premieres: 12 World, 1 International, 16 North American and 13 US premieres, debuting in Miami.

The Festival’s new MARQUEE SERIES category, dedicated to on-stage conversations with major film personalities of the moment, sharing a major new work, includes:

• Monica Bellucci in Conversation with Guy Edoin (Tuesday, March 8th). The Italian fashion beauty and screen star will discuss her career up to and including her brilliant new starring role in Edoin’s Ville-Marie, which will screen after the Conversation.
• Conversation with Iciar Bollaín (Sunday, March 6th). The double Goya Award-winning Spanish actress-director will speak about her career and her latest film, The Olive Tree, which will receive its World Premiere in Miami after the Conversation.
• Conversation with Gavin Hood (Saturday, March 5th). The Academy Award-winning South African filmmaker of Tsotsi will speak about his career and screen his new film, Eye In The Sky, starring Dame Helen Mirren and the late Alan Rickman.
• Conversation with Deepa Mehta (Wednesday, March 9th). The Academy Award-nominated Indo-Canadian filmmaker of Water will speak about her career in the context of the screening of her new film, Beeba Boys, described as “a desiScarface”.

Additional films include:

CINEDWNTWN OPENING NIGHT FILM Presented By Miami Downtown Development Authority and the OPENING NIGHT PARTY presented by The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building and Tilia Events on Friday, March 4, 2016

As previously announced, Álex de la Iglesia‘s My Big Night (Spain), starring Spanish pop icon Raphael and an ensemble cast of many of the biggest stars in the Spanish film industry, opens the Festival. In a special treat for Miami audiences, Raphael will appear in person at the screening to officially inaugurate this year’s Festival. (http://2016.miamifilmfestival.com/films/my-big-night/)

This riotous pop masterpiece from de la Iglesia (Think Broadway’s Noises Off!) chronicles the accidents, romances, conspiracies and backstage shenanigans that beset the taping of an unusually fraught New Year’s Eve variety show. The agitated extravaganza is headlined by pompous singing icon Alphonso (played with self-satirizing brio by real-life singer Raphael) being stalked by a tunesmith with a murderous grudge. Alphonse’s younger beefcake counterpart Adán (Mario Casas) is sought by a groupie looking to snatch a sample of the legendary Lothario’s semen.

Out in the house a runaway crane takes out an extra, who is promptly replaced by endearing nebbish José (Pepón Nieto)—though José too may be doomed to some grievous bodily harm if he continues to pursue his comely colleague Paloma (Blanca Suárez), a woman with a history of unintentionally maiming every man she fancies. The hosts hate each other, the director can’t contain the chaos, and riot police are called in to quell the violent demonstration erupting right outside the studio doors.

My Big Night starts where most films climax and grows steadily more manic from there. The laughs possess an edgy uneasiness enhanced by the cast’s go-for-broke performances. A master orchestrator of mischief, de la Iglesia keeps us oriented as this audacious ensemble comedy spins wildly out of control. Get ready for a great time. My Big Night is more than a film—it’s a party!

My Big Night turns into “My Big Party” after the film with an outstanding Opening Night party at the Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building. The party promises to ring in the new Festival with glitz and cheer, boasting rocking music, cuisine, cocktails, and dancing, all in the spirit of a glittering New Year’s Eve bash. The events kick off the Festival’s CINEDWNTWN series, sponsored by Miami’s Downtown Development Authority.

CINEDWNTWN AWARDS NIGHT FILM presented by Miami Downtown Development Authority and Pyrat Rum Awards Night Party sponsored by The Related Group on Saturday, March 12, 2016

Following the presentation of the juried Awards, the US premiere of Andrew Currie’s The Steps (Canada) will close the Festival’s official premieres. Featuring a brilliant ensemble cast led by James Brolin and Oscar-winner Christine Lahti, this riotous comedy is about what happens when two already fraught families are forced to merge into one big dysfunctional clan. 

As The Steps opens, we meet failed investment banker Jeff (Jason Ritter) and his party-animal sister Marla (Emmanuelle Chriqui), New Yorkers who’ve been invited by their publishing-magnate father, Ed (James Brolin), to visit his cottage in Northern Ontario. They’re infuriated, terrified and appalled — to them, Canada is even a bigger wasteland than Wyoming. Since their father married Sherry (Christine Lahti), a woman with a chequered past and children by three different men, they’ve been worried they may never see any of their father’s fortune.

Jeff and Marla head for Georgian Bay and find that things are worse than anticipated. Sherry’s crew of offspring would have to step up their game seriously just to reach the “motley” level. Keith (Steven McCarthy) is an unemployed musician who was kicked out of the emerging band he was in; Samir (Vinay Virmani) is a pot dealer and full-time stoner; and though eldest son David (Benjamin Arthur) may have the second-largest paintball field in all of Ontario, he also seems to have fairly serious rage issues. And now Sherry and Ed are planning on a few changes to their family that may leave Jeff and Marla out in the cold.

Mocking peculiar obsessions and peccadilloes on both sides of the border, Currie (who made the memorable zombie comedy Fido, which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival in 2006) and his fine cast have an enormous amount of fun skewering everything from Americans’ less appealing dietary habits to Canada’s love of Nickelback. Brolin and Lahti have an enormous amount of fun as love-struck newlyweds, as do Ritter and Chriqui as Ed’s snotty and entitled kids, and the supporting cast attacks their roles with gusto (especially Arthur as always-angry Canadian nationalist David). As lingering bitterness and current disappointments wreak havoc in the cottage and disaster looms, threatening even Ed and Sherry’s idyllic happiness, these strangers slowly, and hilariously, figure out how to become a family.

After the screening, the evening continues by walking up “the steps” to the beautiful outdoor plaza at The Related Group‘s latest addition to the swanky Miami skyline, the newly-announced One Brickell property just “steps” away from Olympia Theater on the banks of the Miami River at 444 Brickell Ave. Feel what it means to project light in the Magic City through an imaginative collection of installations and entertainers, all courtesy of Pyrat Rum and Stella Artois.

CINEDWNTWN SCREENINGS PRESENTED BY MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY: Red carpet events featuring the year’s most compelling works be top-tier directors showcased at the historic Olympia Theater in Downtown Miami. New titles announced for major screenings in the Festival’s historic home for all 33 of its years:

• Queen of Thursdays (USA, directed by Orlando Rojas) *World Premiere. A documentary about Rosario Suarez, Cuba’s famed, exiled prima ballerina now living in Miami.
• I’ve Never Not Been from Miami (USA, directed by Andrew Hevia, Joey Daoud, Jonathan David Kane, MonicaPeña, Tabatha Mudra, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Kenny Riches, Jacob Katel, Kareem Tabsch and Tina Francisco). Ten short films all directed by local filmmakers, about local artists. A Soiree Film paired with Behind the Curtain Onstage Party at Olympia Theater.
• “Who Is Lou Gehrig?” (USA, directed by Gil Green). A documentary short mixing illusion and reality about local basketball coach Jeff Fogel and his brave fight to stay positive. Featuring Miami Heat’s Udonis Haslem.

THESE FILMS JOIN THE PREVIOUSLY ANNOUNCED CINEDWNTWN GALAS:

• Palm Trees in The Snow (Spain, directed by Fernando González Molina)
• The Rebound (USA, directed by Shaina Allen) World Premiere – A Soiree Film paired with “Who Is Lou Gehrig?” (USA, directed by Gil Green) – Screenings paired with a Backlot Bash at Toejam Backlot (150 NW 21st St., Miami)
• Spanish Affair 2 (Ocho apellidos catalanes) (Spain, directed by Emilio Martinez Lazaro)

FESTIVAL COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

KNIGHT COMPETITION PRESENTED BY THE JOHN S. & JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION: A mesmerizing variety of powerful works from around the world, directed by filmmakers who have directed at least one previous Official Selection (feature) of the Festival. Films are eligible for Achievement awards totaling $40,000 in cash. The 28 films (*indicates the title was previously announced) selected for this Competition are:

• *The Apostate (Spain, Uruguay, France, directed by Federico Veiroj)
• Argentina (Argentina, directed by Carlos Saura)
• Chronic (Mexico, France, directed by Michel Franco)
• The Companion (Cuba, Colombia, France, Panama, Venezuela, directed by Pavel Giroud)
• Dheepan (France, directed by Jacques Audiard)
• Eye in The Sky (UK, directed by Gavin Hood)
• *Happy 140 (Spain, directed by Gracia Querejeta)
• *Hearts of Palm (USA, directed by MonicaPeña) *World Premiere
• I Promise You Anarchy (Mexico, Germany, directed by Julio Hernández Cordón)
• Incident Light (Argentina, France, Uruguay, directed by Ariel Rotter)
• *An Italian Name (Italy, directed by Francesca Archibugi)
• The Lobster (Ireland, UK, Greece, France, Netherlands, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos)
• The Memory of Water (Chile, Spain, Argentina, Germany, directed by Matias Bize)
• A Monster with A Thousand Heads (Mexico, directed by Rodrigo Plá)
• Mountains May Depart (China, France, Japan, directed by Zhang-ke Jia)
• Much Ado About Nothing (Chile, directed by Alejandro Fernandez-Almendras)
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and the Silk Road Ensemble (USA, directed by Morgan Neville)
• *My Big Night (Spain, directed by Álex de la Iglesia)
• *Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper (USA, directed by Liz Garbus)
• The Olive Tree (Spain, Germany, directed by Iciar Bollaín)*World Premiere
• One Breath (Germany, Greece, directed by Christian Zübert)
• Paulina (Argentina, Brazil, France, directed by Santiago Mitre)
• *Spanish Affair 2 (Spain, directed by Emilio Martinez Lazaro)
• *Spy Time (Spain, directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera)
• Sunset Song (UK, Luxembourg, directed by Terence Davies)
• Tale of Tales (Italy, France, UK, directed by Mateo Garrone)
• *Trapped (USA, directed by Dawn Porter)
• *Truman (Spain, Argentina, directed by Cesc Gay)

KNIGHT DOCUMENTARY ACHIEVEMENT AWARD PRESENTED BY THE JOHN S. & JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION: Candid, thought-provoking feature-length documentaries examining social issues, diverse cultures and influential people compete for an audience-voted $10,000 cash achievement award. The 17 films (*indicates the title was previously announced) selected for this Competition are:

• Argentina (Argentina, directed by Carlos Saura)
• *Beyond My Grandfather Allende (Chile, Mexico, directed by Marcia Tambutti Allende)
• *Cameraperson (USA, directed by Kirsten Johnson)
• The Forbidden Shore (Canada, directed by Ron Chapman)
• Mapplethorpe: Look at The Pictures (USA, directed by Fenton Bailey and Randy Barnato)
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble (USA, directed by Morgan Neville)
• *Norman Lear: Just Another Version of You (USA, directed by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady)
• *Nothing Left Unsaid: Gloria Vanderbilt & Anderson Cooper (USA, directed by Liz Garbus)
• Our Last Tango (Germany, Argentina, directed by German Kral)
• Queen of Thursdays (USA, directed by Orlando Rojas)*World Premiere
• Presenting Princess Shaw (Israel, directed by Ido Haar)
• *The Rebound (USA, directed by Shaina Allen)*World Premiere
• *Snacks, Bites of A Revolution (Spain, directed by Veronica Escuer and Cristina Jolonch)
• Thank You for Your Service (USA, directed by Tom Donahue)
• *Tocando la luz (Touch The Light) (USA, Cuba, directed by Jennifer Redfearn)
• *Trapped (USA, directed by Dawn Porter)
• *Weiner (USA, directed by Josh Kriegman and Elyse Steinberg)

LEXUS IBERO-AMERICAN FEATURE FILM COMPETITION: Open to all Ibero-American films in the Official Selection, competing for a jury-selected cash Achievement Award of $10,000, courtesy of Lexus. The 35 films (*indicates the title was previously announced) selected for this Competition are:

• *Abzurdah (Argentina, directed by Daniela Goggi)
• *The Apostate (Spain, Uruguay, France, directed by Federico Veiroj)
• *The Bride (Spain, Germany, directed by Paula Ortiz)
• Cien años de perdon (Spain, directed by Daniel Calparsoro)
• The Companion (Cuba, Colombia, France, Panama, Venezuela, directed by Pavel Giroud)
• *Dark Glasses (Cuba, Spain, directed by Jessica Rodriguez)
• Dogs’ Night (Argentina, directed by Nacho Sesma)
• Elephant: The Horse (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, directed by Andrés Waissbluth)*World Premiere
• The Farm (Puerto Rico, directed by Angel Manuel Soto)
• From Afar (Venezuela, Mexico, directed by Lorenzo Vigas)
• *Happy 140 (Spain, directed by Gracia Querejeta)
• The Heirs (Mexico, Norway, directed by Jorge Hernandez)
• I Promise You Anarchy (Mexico, Germany, directed by Julio Hernández Cordón)
• Incident Light (Argentina, France, Uruguay, directed by Ariel Rotter)
• *The King of Havana (Spain, Dominican Republic, directed by Agusti Villaronga)
• *Ma Ma (Spain, France, directed by Julio Medem)
• *Magallanes (Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, directed by Salvador del Solar)
• The Memory of Water (Chile, Spain, Argentina, Germany, directed by Matias Bize)
• A Monster with A Thousand Heads (Mexico, directed by Rodrigo Plá)
• Much Ado About Nothing (Chile, directed by Alejandro Fernandez-Almendras)
• *My Big Night (Spain, directed by Álex de la Iglesia)
• *My Friend from The Park (Argentina, Uruguay, directed by Ana Katz)
• No Kids (Argentina, Spain, directed by Ariel Winograd)
• *Nothing in Return (Spain, directed by Daniel Guzmán)
• The Olive Tree (Spain, Germany, directed by Iciar Bollaín)*World Premiere
• *Palm Trees in The Snow (Spain, directed by Fernando González Molina)
• Panamerican Machinery (Mexico, directed by Joaquin del Paso)
• Paulina (Argentina, Brazil, France, directed by Santiago Mitre)
• *Restless Love (Brazil, directed by Vera Egito)*World Premiere
• *Siembra (Colombia, directed by Angela Maria Osorio Rojas and Santiago Lozano Alvarez)
• *Spanish Affair 2 (Spain, directed by Emilio Martinez Lazaro)
• *Spy Time (Spain, directed by Javier Ruiz Caldera)
• *Truman (Spain, Argentina, directed by Cesc Gay)
• Viaje (Costa Rica, directed by Paz Fabrega)
• *We Are Pregnant (Spain, directed by Juana Macías)

JORDAN ALEXANDER RESSLER FOUNDATION SCREENWRITING PRIZE: Screenwriters from all feature films in the Festival that have a first-produced feature screenwriter credited, compete for a jury-selected cash prize of $5,000, courtesy of the family of the late Jordan Alexander Ressler. This special award recognizes and supports first-time produced screenwriters. It was created by the South Florida family of Jordan Alexander Ressler, an aspiring screenwriter and Cornell University film studies graduate who, during his brief entertainment career, held production positions with the Tony award-winning Broadway hits 700 Sundays with Billy Crystal and The Jersey Boys.

The 11 screenwriters (*indicates the title was previously announced) eligible for this competition are:

• Beatbox (USA, written by Andrew Dresher)
• *Dark Glasses (Cuba, Spain, written by Jessica Rodriguez)
• Dogs’ Night (Argentina, written by Nacho Sesma)
• The Farm (Puerto Rico, written by Angel Manuel Soto)
• From Afar (Venezuela, Mexico, written by Lorenzo Vigas)
• *Magallanes (Peru, Argentina, Colombia, Spain, written by Salvador del Solar)
• *Mountain (Israel, written by Yaelle Kayam)
• *Nothing in Return (Spain, written by Daniel Guzmán)
• *Siembra (Colombia, written by Angela Maria Osorio Rojas and Santiago Lozano Alvarez)
• The Steps (Canada, written by Robyn Harding)
• The Wait (Italy, written by Giacomo Bendotti, Ilaria Macchia, Andrea Paolo Massara and Piero Messina)

FILM SHORTS COMPETITION:The latest in films 30 minutes or less from around the globe, the jury-selected winner will receive a $2,500 cash prize. The competing films are:

• “The 100 Years Show” (USA, directed by Alison Klayman)
• “Doble 9” (USA, directed by Aisha Schliessler)*World Premiere
• “Glove” (USA, directed by Bernardo Britto)
• “If I Was God” (Canada, directed by Cordell Barker)
• “La Nube” (Cuba, directed by Marcel Beltrán)
• “Land Tides” (Chile, directed by Manuela Martelli and Amirah Tajdin)
• “The Lift” (Spain, directed by Javier Polo)*World Premiere
• “The Man of My Life” (France, directed by Melanie Delloye)
• “Memories of The Sea” (Brazil, USA, Peru, directed by Thais Drassinower)
• “Najmia” (USA, directed by Cristhian Andrews)
• “Party Girl” (Poland, Trinidad & Tobago, directed by Roma Zachemba)
• “This Modern Man Is Beat” (USA, directed by Alex Merkin)

FESTIVAL NON-COMPETITION CATEGORIES:

SOIREE Series: A memorable evening out, beginning with an inspiring and entertaining film, segueing into a fabulous social experience. Films included in this series are:

The Idol (UK, Palestine, Qatar, Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, directed by Hany Abu-Assad) – Screening paired with The Standard Affair at The Standard Spa (40 Island Ave., Miami Beach)

Tale of Tales (Italy, directed by Matteo Garrone) – Screening paired with Desserts & Directors at The Temple House (1415 Euclid Ave., Miami Beach)

CINEMA 360° PRESENTED BY VIENDOMOVIES AND XFINITY: A vibrant and dynamic selection of narrative works (*indicates previously announced title), from both accomplished and emerging filmmakers, including an international selection of dramas, comedies, suspense thrillers, and innovative docudramas.

• *4 Kings (Germany, directed by Theresa Von Eltz)
• Disorder (France, Belgium, directed by Alice Winocour)
• The Endless River (South Africa, France, directed by Oliver Hermanus)
• Gold Coast (Denmark, Ghana, Sweden, directed by Daniel Dencik)
• Highway to Hellas (Germany, directed by Aron Lehmann)
• Maggie’s Plan (USA, directed by Rebecca Miller)
• Mammal (Ireland, Netherlands, Luxembourg, directed by Rebecca Daly)
• The Measure of a Man (France, directed by Stéphane Brizé)
• The Meddler (USA, directed by Lorene Scafaria)
• *My King (France, directed by Maïwenn)
• *Our Loved Ones (Canada, directed by Anne Emond)
• *Parched (India, USA, UK, directed by Leena Yadav)
• The Promised Land (China, directed by He Ping)
• “Rocket Wars” (Greece, directed by Salomon Ligthelm)
• Standing Tall (France, directed by Emmanuelle Bercot)
• *Summertime (France, directed by Catherine Corsini)
• The Surprise (Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Ireland, directed by Mike Vam Diem)
• Two Friends (France, directed by Louis Garrell)

LEE BRIAN SCHRAGER’S CULINARY CINEMA: Returning for a fourth mouthwatering year, the Culinary Cinema category has teamed up with catering and foodie event legend, Lee Brian Schrager, for a schedule of distinct film & culinary pairings. Premiere sponsor, Frederick Wildman & Sons, will pair its wines with the four meals during the Festival. Take your palette and mind on a culinary adventure with these delicious options:

• Crushed (Australia, directed by Megan Riakos) – Screening paired with a three-course meal prepared by Aussie native Chef Aaron Brooks at EDGE Steak & Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Miami (1435 Brickell Ave., Miami)
• My Bakery in Brooklyn (Spain, USA, directed by Gustavo Ron) – Screening paired with an exclusive three-course private dinner at the ultra hip Wynwood kosher bakery & café, Zak the Baker (405 NW 26th St., Miami)
• Snacks, Bites of A Revolution (Spain, directed by Veronica Escuer and Cristina Jolonch) – Screening paired with three-courses of Spanish experimental fare at Piripi Miami at The Shops at Merrick Park (320 San Lorenzo Ave., #1315, Coral Gables)
• Sweet Bean (Japan, France, Germany, directed by Naomi Kawase) – Screening paired with prepared Japanese delights, by Japanese restaurant, Katsuya, and hosted at the MDC’s Tower Theater (1508 SW 8th St., Miami)

**PRE-FESTIVAL EVENT IN COLLABORATION WITH SOUTH BEACH WINE & FOOD FESTIVAL: Screening of the classic Mexican film, Like Water for Chocolate (Mexico, 1992, directed by Alfonso Arau) – Sunday, February 28th at 6 p.m. / Following the screening, conversation with screenwriter, Laura Esquivel, at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, Americana Lawn (1601 Collins Ave., Miami Beach). The screening is paired with a dinner of authentic Mexican cuisine with James Beard Award-winning chef, Rick Bayless, at Loews Miami Beach Hotel, St. Moritz Lawn from 8 – 10 p.m.

FLORIDA FOCUS: Showcasing films partially or wholly shot in the Sunshine State or by filmmakers who are native or current residents of Florida.

• “Hand Built Boat” (USA, directed by Ani Mercedes)
• Hearts of Palm (USA, directed by Monica Peña)*World Premiere
• I’ve Never Not Been from Miami (USA, directed by Andrew Hevia, Joey Daoud, Jonathan David Kane,MonicaPeña, Tabatha Mudra, Keisha Rae Witherspoon, Kenny Riches, Jacob Katel, Kareem Tabsch and Tina Francisco)
• The Rebound (USA, directed by Shaina Allen)*World Premiere
• “Star Child” (USA, directed by Tommy Demos)*World Premiere
• “Stripper Wars” (USA, directed by Giancarlo Loffredo)
• Sweet Dillard (USA, directed by Jim Virga)*World Premiere
• “Swan Song of the Skunk Ape” (USA, directed by Brad Abrahams)
• “This Modern Man Is Beat” (USA, directed by Alex Merkin)
• “Tracks” (USA, directed by Logan Sandler)
• “Who Is Lou Gehrig?” (USA, directed by Gil Green)

VISIONS: Provocative and stirring, these three feature-length visual experiences are guaranteed to test the limits and take viewers to the extreme.

• Cemetery of Splendor (Thailand, UK, France, directed by Apichatpong Weerasethakul)
• Hearts of Palm (USA, directed byMonicaPeña)*World Premiere
• The King of Havana (Spain, Dominican Republic, directed by Agusti Villaronga)

REEL MUSIC: FIVE FILMS EMANATING THE GLOBAL POWER OF MUSIC.

• Bazodee (Trinidad & Tobago, directed by Todd Kessler)
• Beatbox (USA, directed by Andrew Dresher)
• The Forbidden Shore (Canada, directed by Ron Chapman)*World Premiere
• The Music of Strangers: Yo-Yo Ma and The Silk Road Ensemble (USA, directed by Morgan Neville)
• Presenting Princess Shaw (Israel, directed by Ido Haar)

MIAMI FILM 2016 RETROSPECTIVE SCREENINGS: These films come from the winners of the Latin American film market, Ventana Sur, who were a part of Miami Film 2016 which was organized by The Related Group and Miami International Film Festival. The winners’ retrospective works being shown include:

• Absent (Argentina, produced by Pablo Ingercher)
• Villegas (Argentina, directed by Gonzalo Tobal)
• Refugiado (Argentina, directed by Diego Lerman)

MIFFecito: Specially curated for younger aficionados, these narrative films are for the entire family to enjoy.

• Elephant: The Horse (Chile, Colombia, Mexico, directed by Andrés Waissbluth)*World Premiere
• The Little Prince (France, Belgium, directed by Mark Osborne)
• Oddball (Australia, directed by Stuart McDonald)

FROM THE VAULT: The Long Day Closes (1992) (UK, directed by Terence Davies), presented in conjunction with Miami Beach Cinematheque

All feature films in the Festival (excluding retrospective screenings) are eligible for the LEXUS AUDIENCE FAVORITE FEATURE FILM AWARD. All short films are eligible for their own LEXUS AUDIENCE FAVORITE SHORT FILM AWARD. Lexus is the Festival’s official automobile sponsor.

The Festival was curated by Laplante and a team comprised of veteran programmers Thom Powers, Andres Castillo, Orlando Rojas, Eloisa Lopez-Gomez and culinary cinema specialist Lee Brian Schrager.

SPECIAL EVENTS INCLUDE:

GOOGLE SEMINAR SERIES ON GENDER & RACIAL GAPS IN FILM & TECHNOLOGY:This unique partnership with Google on a new seminar series will address gender and racial gaps in the film industry, particularly in technical cinematographic roles. In addition to the forum and screening there will be an opening day keynote address and more. Participants and full schedule will be announced in the coming days. Presented at The Idea Center of Miami Dade College.

MASTERCLASS SEMINARS: DREAM. SCRIPT. SCREEN. These unique conversations will provide in-depth knowledge direct from the filmmakers, technical experts and industry leaders literally creating and shaping modern cinema.

FROM DOODLE TO PIXELS: Over a Hundred Years of Spanish Animation (Spain)

PRODUCING IN FLORIDA AND BEYOND– In conjunction with CineVisun and the BFMG.

MAKING THE LEAP FROM SHORT TO FEATURE FILM– Moderated by Diliana Alexander of FilmGate Miami.

THE CINEMASLAM COMPETITION aims to discover, showcase, and celebrate the work of undergraduate and graduate students in Miami/South Florida film schools. Open to any student enrolled in a participating South Florida college/university upon the completion date of the film. In this edition, students from the following colleges from Miami /South Florida have submitted their shorts: Florida International University, Miami Dade College, University of Miami, Miami International University of Art and Design New World School of the Arts (University of Florida) and the Center of Cinematography, Arts and Television. The selected projects will be announced very soon.

MIAMI INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL SCREENING VENUES are as unique as the films themselves, reflecting the communities the Festival serves through film. Historic landmarks Olympia Theater and MDC’s Tower Theater, presented during the Festival by Viendomovies,evoke the golden age of Hollywood, tailor-made for major red carpet events. The Festival will also screen films at Regal Cinemas South Beach, O Cinema Miami Beach, Cinépolis, Coral Gables Art Cinema, Miami Beach Cinematheque and O Cinema Wynwood. Special event venues include The Idea Center, Miami Animation and Gaming International Complex(MAGIC) at Miami Dade College, and The Historic Alfred I. Dupont Building.

Tickets will go on sale to the general public on Friday, February 12th. For membership opportunities or more information about Miami International Film Festival, please visit www.miamifilmfestival.com or call 305-237-FILM (3456).

The CULTURAL AFFAIRS DEPARTMENT OF MIAMI DADE COLLEGE (MDC) is composed of the Miami Book Fair, Miami International Film Festival, Tower Theater, Koubek Center, Freedom Tower, MDC Live Arts and MDC Galleries and the Museum of Art + Design. MDC is committed to providing its community with the opportunity to come in contact with innovative thinkers, creators and tradition bearers from around the world. With each presentation, MDC offers a bridge between cultures and ideas, creating new opportunities for the increasingly diverse population of Miami to come together through shared live arts experiences. (For more information, visit www.mdc.edu/arts)

THE JOHN S. AND JAMES L. KNIGHT FOUNDATION supports transformational ideas that promote quality journalism, advance media innovation, engage communities and foster the arts. The foundation believes that democracy thrives when people and communities are informed and engaged. For more, visit www.KnightFoundation.org.

Lexus launched in 1989 with two luxury sedans and a commitment to pursue perfection. Since that time, Lexus has expanded its line-up to meet the needs of global luxury customers. Lexus is now going beyond its reputation for high quality vehicles with the integration of innovative technology, emotional exterior and interior designs, and engaging driving dynamics and performance. With six models incorporating Lexus Hybrid Drive, Lexus is the luxury hybrid leader. Lexus also offers seven F SPORT models and two F performance models. In the United States, Lexus vehicles are sold through 236 dealers who are committed to exemplary customer service.

THE RELATED GROUP was established in 1979, and is America’s leading developer of sophisticated urban living and one of the largest firms in the United States. Since its inception, the privately held company has built and managed more than 85,000 condominium and apartment residences. The Related Group has earned a national reputation for its visionary design and development of luxury condominiums, mixed-use center and affordable rental properties – often in emerging or undiscovered neighborhoods. The firm is one of the largest Hispanic-owned businesses in the United States with a development portfolio of projects worth in excess of $15 billion. For more information, visit www.relatedgroup.com.

The MIAMI DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY is committed to improving the quality of life for businesses, employees, residents, and visitors in Downtown Miami. As an independent agency of the City of Miami, the Miami DDA supports business growth, infrastructure improvements and services for Downtown Miami residents and stakeholders. In addition to its programs and initiatives, the Miami DDA is partnering with the City and other government entities to strengthen Downtown Miami’s position as an international center for commerce, culture, and tourism. The organization is governed by a 15-member board comprised of three public appointees and 12 Downtown property owners, residents and/or workers. For more information about the Miami DDA and Downtown Miami, please visit www.MiamiDDA.com.

Opened on Christmas Day, 1939, THE ALFRED I. DUPONT BUILDING was listed in the National Register of Historic Places in 1989, designated a Historic Landmark in 1992 and became a Dade Heritage Trust Inductee in 1999. Dubbed the “USS Neversink” during World War II, when it served as Fleet Headquarters for the 7th Naval Command, the iconic tower was the first skyscraper constructed in Miami after the completion of the Dade County Courthouse in 1928, signaling the city’s economic recovery from the Great Depression.

Formerly the headquarters of Florida National Bank, The Historic ALFRED I. DUPONT BUILDING Mezzanine became a Special Events Venue in 2001. It may take all evening to fully absorb the beauty of the two ballrooms, but the stately aura surrounding the venue is lot on no one. Rather than a cavernous event space absent of character, the stately yet unobtrusive ‘30s architecture complements each event it hosts. The building is a true Miami gem – a bit of New York in the heart of Downtown Miami.

Exhibition Location: The Met Breuer, 3rd and 4th floors, Madison Avenue and 75th Street

Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible examines a subject that is critical to artistic practice: the question of when a work of art is finished. Opening March 18, 2016, this landmark exhibition inaugurates The Met Breuer, ushering in a new phase for the Met’s expanded engagement with modern and contemporary art, presented in Marcel Breuer’s iconic building on Madison Avenue (formerly the home of The Whitney Museum of American Art). With over 190 works dating from the Renaissance to the present—nearly forty percent of which are drawn from the Museum’s collection, supplemented with major national and international loans—the exhibition demonstrates the type of groundbreaking show that can result when the Museum mines its vast collection and curatorial resources to present modern and contemporary art within a deep historical context.

Alice Neel (American, 1900–1984). James Hunter Black Draftee, 1965. Oil on canvas_ 60 x 40 in. (152.4 x 101.6 cm). COMMA Foundation, Belgium. © The Estate of Alice Neel

The exhibition examines the term “unfinished” across the visual arts in the broadest possible way; it includes works left incomplete by their makers, a result that often provides insight into the artists’ creative process, as well as works that engage a non finito—intentionally unfinished—aesthetic that embraces the unresolved and open-ended. Featured artists who explored such an aesthetic include some of history’s greatest practitioners, among them Titian, Rembrandt, Turner, and Cézanne, as well as modern and contemporary artists, including Janine Antoni, Lygia Clark, Jackson Pollock, and Robert Rauschenberg, who have taken the unfinished in entirely new directions, alternately blurring the distinction between making and un-making, extending the boundaries of art into both space and time, and recruiting viewers to complete the objects they had begun.

“Unfinished is a cornerstone of The Met Breuer’s inaugural program and a great example of the Met’s approach to presenting the art of today,” said Thomas P. Campbell, Director and CEO of the Metropolitan Museum. “Stretching across history and geography, the exhibition is the result of a cross-departmental collaboration, drawing on the expertise of the Met’s outstanding faculty of curators. We hope the exhibition will inspire audiences to reconsider the artistic process as they connect to experiences shared by artists over centuries.”

Using works of art as well as the words of artists and critics as a guide, Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible strives to answer four questions: When is a work of art finished? To what extent does an artist have latitude in making this decision? During which periods in the history of art since the Renaissance have artists experimented most boldly with the idea of the unfinished or non finito? What impact has this long trajectory had on modern and contemporary art?

The exhibition features works that fall into two categories. The first includes works of art that are literally unfinished—those whose completion was interrupted, usually because of an accident, such as the artist’s death. In some instances, notably Jan van Eyck’s Saint Barbara (1437), there is still debate about whether the artist meant the work to be a finished drawing, which would have been considered unusual at the time, or if it was meant to be a preparation for a painting. Because such works often leave visible the underlying skeleton and many changes normally effaced in the act of completion, they are prized for providing access to the artist’s thoughts, as well as to his or her working process.

The second category includes works that appear unfinished—open-ended, unresolved, imperfect—at the volition of the artist, such as Janine Antoni’s Lick and Lather (1993–1994). Antoni used a mold to create a series of self-portrait busts, half from chocolate and half from soap, fragile materials that tend to age quickly. After finishing the busts, she set to work unfinishing them, licking those in chocolate and bathing with those in soap, stopping once she had arrived at her distinctive physiognomy.

The unfinishedness of objects in this second category has been debated and appreciated at definite times, in definite places. Unlike the historical art presented in the exhibition, which includes a significant number of truly unfinished objects, art from the mid- to late 20th and 21st centuries is represented almost entirely through the lens of non finito.

The exhibition is organized chronologically, spanning the third and fourth floors of The Met Breuer. The works are subdivided thematically, with each group representing a specific case-study in unfinishedness—corresponding to specific times (such as the Renaissance, Baroque, and Modern periods), media (prints and sculpture), artists (including Turner, Cézanne, and Picasso), and genres (most importantly portraiture).

A new, light-based installation by Tatsuo Miyajima, created especially for Unfinished, will be on view in the Lobby Gallery of The Met Breuer (late April through mid-October).

Sheena Wagstaff, Leonard A. Lauder Chairman of Modern and Contemporary Art added: “It is rare that an exhibition covering such a broad time span can trace a theme as intimate and essential to the creative process. This sweep of art history throws into sharp focus the ongoing concern of artists about the ‘finishedness’ of their work—which, in the 20th century, they co-opt as a radical tool that changes our understanding of Modernism.”

Unfinished: Thoughts Left Visible is curated by Andrea Bayer, Jayne Wrightsman Curator of European Paintings in the Department of European Paintings; Kelly Baum, Curator of Postwar and Contemporary Art in the Department of Modern and Contemporary Art, both at the Metropolitan Museum; and Nicholas Cullinan, former curator in the Met’s Department of Modern and Contemporary Art and current Director of the National Portrait Gallery in London, all working under the direction of Sheena Wagstaff,.

Many curators, conservators, fellows, and research assistants at the Met contributed to this exhibition and its accompanying catalogue, including experts from the Museum’s departments of American Paintings and Sculpture, Drawings and Prints, European Paintings, European Sculpture and Decorative Arts, Paintings Conservation, and Modern and Contemporary Art.

The exhibition is made possible by Leonard A. Lauder. Additional support is provided by the Jane and Robert Carroll Fund, Howard I. Hoffen & Sandra Hoffen, Kenneth and Rosalind Landis, Ann M. Spruill and Daniel H. Cantwell, and Northern Trust.

The exhibition is accompanied by a 336-page fully illustrated catalogue that constitutes the most exploratory, yet also comprehensive, introduction to date of the long history of the unfinished in the visual arts, film, and literature. The book is divided into two main sections that roughly correspond to the periods 1435–1900 and 1900–2015. It contains essays by 13 curators, scholars, and a conservator on a range of artists and subjects related to the theme of the unfinished. The catalogue also features interviews with five contemporary artists—Vija Celmins, Marlene Dumas, Brice Marden, Luc Tuymans, and Rebecca Warren—whose work is represented in the exhibition; and a section of brief catalogue entries on each of the objects featured in the exhibition that explores the significance of the work, with an emphasis on its place in the broader narrative and, frequently, an account of its reception. The catalogue will be published by The Metropolitan Museum of Art and distributed by Yale University Press.

The catalogue is made possible by the Samuel I. Newhouse Foundation, Inc. and the Roswell L. Gilpatric Publications Fund.

Related Programs

A series of experimental films made by many of the 20th and 21st century’s most innovative filmmakers will be shown in conjunction with the exhibition. Organized by Thomas Beard, founder and director of Light Industry, a venue for film and electronic art in Brooklyn, these screenings, which will take place on The Met Breuer’s second floor, will address the unfinished in cinematic terms. Details on screening times will be available at a later date.

In collaboration with the Met, The Orchestra Now (TŌN) will present “The Unfinished,” a performance at Carnegie Hall of two unfinished works: Schoenberg’s Chamber Symphony No. 2 and Mozart’s Great Mass in C minor.

The concert will include a panel discussion with the Museum’s Sheena Wagstaff and Andrea Bayer; TŌN’s music director Leon Botstein; Columbia University’s Elaine Sisman, Anne Parsons Bender Professor of Music; and others. Friday, May 13, 2016, 7:30–9:45 p.m.; tickets start at $25.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art’s modern and contemporary art program is expanding to include a new series of exhibitions, performances, artist commissions, residencies, and educational initiatives in the building designed by Marcel Breuer on Madison Avenue and 75th Street. Opening to the public on March 18, 2016, The Met Breuer provides additional space to explore the art of the 20th and 21st centuries through the global breadth and historical reach of the Met’s unparalleled collection.

Other programs featured as part of the inaugural season of The Met Breuer include the largest exhibition to date dedicated to Indian modernist Nasreen Mohamedi; and a month-long performance installation, by Resident Artist Vijay Iyer. Upcoming exhibitions include a presentation of Diane Arbus’s rarely seen early photographic works (July 12– November 27, 2016), and the first museum retrospective dedicated to Kerry James Marshall (October 25, 2016 – January 30, 2017).

Hours for The Met Breuer Inaugural Weekend, March 18–20

Friday, March 18, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Saturday, March 19, 10:00 a.m.–10:00 p.m.

Sunday, March 20, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Regular Hours for The Met Breuer (as of March 21)

Tuesday and Wednesday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Thursday and Friday, 10:00 a.m.–9:00 p.m.

Saturday and Sunday, 10:00 a.m.–5:30 p.m.

Closed Monday

swimsuitsforall‘s New #SwimSexy Campaign Features a Sexy 56-Year Old Bikini-Clad Model – the Oldest Woman of the Issue, Ever!

The New Campaign Ushers In The Golden Age Of Body Positivity Proving That Women Of All Ages, Shapes And Sizes Can Be Sexy.

swimsuitsforall, a FULLBEAUTY Brand and the leading online retailer for curvy swimwear, is once again making history with the unveiling of its new #SwimSexy campaign in the 2016 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue hitting newsstands on February 16, 2016. In this year’s campaign, supermodel Ashley Graham is featured alongside British Ghanaian model Philomena Kwao and mature model Nicola Griffin. Not only are the three women some of the first curvy girls to appear in the publication, but at 56, Griffin is the oldest woman to grace the pages of the highly anticipated annual Swimsuit issue.

swimsuitsforall (PRNewsFoto/swimsuitsforall)

“People think you lose your sex appeal as you get older – but that’s a myth; I’ve never felt sexier. I have two daughters and I’m so proud they get to see me looking sexy and confident in a bathing suit,” says Griffin.

Nicola Griffin for #SwimSexy by swimsuitsforall (PRNewsFoto/swimsuitsforall)

swimsuitsforall makes shopping for a swimsuit just as enjoyable as being in one. Known for their unique perspective on swim lifestyle, The company has been the leader in swimwear for curvy women since 2005 by providing quality swimwear with superior construction, expert fit, and innovative design. The raison d’etre of the online retailer is to eliminate swimwear-shopping dread and get you into the swimsuit that will best fit and flatter your unique body and personality.

“Body positivity and women’s empowerment are issues close to my heart. swimsuitsforall has shown strong support for curvy women everywhere, and I am honored to be a part of the #SwimSexy movement!” says Graham.

Philomena Kwao and Ashley Graham for #SwimSexy by swimsuitsforall (PRNewsFoto/swimsuitsforall)

The campaign, shot by Russell James, features Graham, Kwao and Griffin proudly flaunting their assets against the setting sun. The campaign’s launch marks a shift in the traditional notions of a bikini body, showing that being curvy or older can be sexy. To accompany the ad, there will be a digital video featuring all three models strutting their stuff across a sun-kissed beach at www.swimsuitsforall.com.

swimsuitsforall is renowned for its groundbreaking campaigns and influencer collaborations, created with Kraftworks, that challenge traditional narratives of sexiness. Last year, the brand created a viral sensation with its #CurvesInBikinis ad (see image below) starring Graham as the first plus size model to appear in the 2015 Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue. The campaign sparked a nationwide movement, with the media and top fashion brands quickly following suit. While the body positivity movement is far from over, there have never been more curvy women featured in editorials, runway shows, and ad campaigns.

#curvesinbikinis (PRNewsFoto/swimsuitsforall)

“As a woman of color and curve model, I never imagined when I started modeling that I would be featured in the pages of Sports Illustrated. The #SwimSexy campaign is redefining standards of beauty and I’m proud to be a part of it. My hope is that this campaign connects with women and girls of all ages, body-types, races and backgrounds,” says Kwao.

“At swimsuitsforall we believe sexy is not limited to a certain size, shape or age – we’re proud to be at the forefront of the body positivity movement. We continue to push the envelope with our campaigns, and this year’s ad in the Sports Illustrated swimsuit issue is no exception,” says Moshe Laniado, CEO and President of swimsuitsforall.

The gold bikini featured in the #SwimSexy campaign is available immediately for pre-order at swimsuitsforall.com. Participate in the conversation by following #SwimSexy, and watch as the curvaceous movement continues.

Black History Month celebrations fill the month of February in San Francisco with events commemorating the contributions of African Americans in San Francisco and throughout the United States. The following events, on the calendar at the San Francisco Travel Association, describes the length and breadth of what’s on tap in the city’s cultural scene in San Francisco in February and through into March.

Golden Gate Bridge – Marin Headlands: The Marin headlands afford a spectacular view of the San Francisco skyline through the red-orange superstructure of the Golden Gate Bridge. Photo courtesy of the San Francisco Travel Association/Scott Chernis

Experience the Power of an Anointed Sound – Meditate To The Music And Wisdom Of Legendary Jazz Saxophonist John Coltrane
An American jazz saxophonist and composer, John Coltrane helped pioneer the use of modes in jazz and was later at the forefront of free jazz. He led at least 50 recording sessions during his career, and appeared as a sideman on many albums by other musicians, including trumpeter Miles Davis and pianist Thelonious Monk. Celebrate Coltrane’s genius by experiencing “A Love Supreme Meditation” which will help calm your mind and tune into the spirit as visitors are guided through a meditation on the testimony and music of John Coltrane’s “A Love Supreme.” Saint John Coltrane Church, 1286 Fillmore St., every Sunday at 10:30 a.m. http://www.coltranechurch.org

EXHIBITIONS & CONVERSATIONS

Who Among Us … The Art of Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle – Featuring Artwork From Three Projects That Hinkle Worked On Concurrently Over The Past Six Years
Interdisciplinary visual artist, writer and performer, Kenyatta A.C. Hinkle presents “Who Among Us” as a tool to undo the imaginings placed onto the colonized body and its movements throughout space and time. Hinkle’s work remixes and re-imagines these perceptions and seeks to invent new possibilities of engaging visually with the black female body respectively. Concerned with the historical present, Hinkle’s research-based practice is a collision of mediums. Through April 3, 2016 at the Museum of the African Diaspora (MoAD), 685 Mission St., Mon.-Tue. Closed; Wed-Sat. 11 a.m.-6 p.m.; Sun., 12-5 p.m.
http://www.moadsf.org

“I Am San Francisco” – Capturing The Home And Soul Of Native Black San Francisco
Created and curated by Kheven LaGrone and hosted at the African American Center at San Francisco’s Main Library, the “I Am San Francisco” exhibition collects the personal stories of several African Americans from San Francisco featuring stories that were assigned to various artists, from various places, to interpret using various media. “An African American born in San Francisco? I’ve never met one before. You must have been one of the few,” a native Black San Franciscan often hears. For many, these type of questions conjure up the feelings of marginalization and the loss of home and remind us that African Americans are being written out of San Francisco’s past and present. Through March 10, 2016 at the African American Center, San Francisco Main Library, 100 Larkin St., Sun. 12-5 p.m.; Mon. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; Tues.-Thurs. 9 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday 1-6 p.m.; Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
http://sfpl.org/index.php?pg=1019936901

Pop-up Talk: Judy Juanita on Virgin Soul and the Black Panther Party – Reflecting on Black Panther History 
Join the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) for a Black History Month-inspired pop-up talk with guest speaker Judy Juanita, a novelist and playwright based in Oakland in the Gallery of California Art. Juanita is a former member of the Black Panther Party, one-time editor of the Black Panther Party newspaper and was an instructor in the first Black Studies program in the nation at San Francisco State University. Juanita’s talk will draw upon her novel, “Virgin Soul,” which is set in Oakland and reflects upon Panther history. Included with Museum admission and happening during Friday Nights @ OMCA, from 5 to 9 pm, admission is half-price for adults, free for ages 18 and under. Oakland Museum of California, 1000 Oak St., Oakland, Feb. 19, 2016, 7-7:30 p.m. http://museumca.org

PERFORMING ARTS

“The Colored Museum” at the African-American Shakespeare Company – A Poignant, Socially-Conscious, Satirical Comedy That Will Delight Audiences Of All Colors
“The Colored Museum” is a depiction of black culture in America, which is especially relevant in today’s world of “Black Lives Matter.” The African-American Shakespeare Company has enlisted Tony Award-winning playwright, George C. Wolfe, to take audiences on a journey of black culture with a take no prisoners satire that electrifies, unsettles and delights audiences of all colors. “The Colored Museum” redefines our ideas of what it means to be black in contemporary America as the various exhibits depicts old and new stereotypes. Feb. 13-March 6 at the Buriel Clay Theater, African American Art & Culture Complex, 762 Fulton St., Sat. 8 p.m. and Sun. 3 p.m. http://www.african-americanshakes.org

Skyline-San Francisco at Dusk: San Francisco cityscape, shot at a cloudy dusk. @San Francisco Travel Association/Can Balcioglu

Paula West at Feinstein’s at The Nikko – Winner of Three New York Nightlife Awards for Outstanding Female Jazz Vocalist
A Bay Area favorite known for her rich, powerful contralto voice, Paula West will present an all new show backed by a four-piece band and an eclectic set list with her unique interpretations of songs by Bob Dylan, Glen Campbell, Pearl Bailey, Ethel Waters and more. West has performed nationally and internationally at prestigious venues such as Jazz at Lincoln Center, the Maison de la Musique and the White House. Feb. 11-March 6, 2016 at Feinstein’s at The Nikko, Thurs.-Sun.; times vary, check the events calendar.
http://www.hotelnikkosf.com/feinsteins.aspx

City Skyline at Night from Treasure Island. @San Francisco Travel Association

The 12th Annual Black Choreographers Festival – Engage in a celebration of African and African American Dance and Culture
The Black Choreographers Festival is an annual event celebrating African and African American dance and culture, featuring award-winning Bay Area choreographers and companies. The Next Wave Choreographers Showcase: New Voices | New Works celebrates the diverse artistic expression within the context of African and African American dance and culture featuring premieres by Dazaun Soleyn, Joslynn Mathis, Erik Lee, Cherie Hill, Phylicia Stroud, Pat Taylor, Chris Evans w/ Byb Chanel Bibene, and more. Feb. 20-21, 2016 at the Dance Mission Theater, 3316 24th Street, 7:30 p.m.
http://www.bcfhereandnow.com

FOOD & DRINK

sf|noir Wine & Food Festival – Prominent Chefs Offering Their Interpretations Of Soul Food And African American-Inspired Dishes 
The sf|noir Wine & Food Festival returns for Black History Month celebrating the best in black and Southern-inspired cuisine from prominent Bay Area chefs. The festival honors the region’s best in black cuisine from throughout the Diaspora, including: soul food, Southern-inspired cooking, Caribbean and Pan-African dishes, BBQ and more. Taking place around the Bay Area, it includes popular events, such as the Shrimp & Grits Taste-Off, a Sunday brunch, cooking demonstrations, live jazz performances and more. Feb. 26-28, 2016, Various locations and times. http://www.sfnoir.org/sfnoirwinefood/

Sips with Soul at 1300 on Fillmore – An Evening Featuring Eclectic Wine, Delicious Food And Live Music
Sips with Soul at 1300 on Fillmore brings together the wine from African American Vintners with soulful hors d’oeuvres from 1300 on Fillmore’s chef David Lawrence. Enjoy the company of members of the Association of African American Vintners and network amongst other foodies and wine lovers. Vintners who will be featured include: Esterlina, Sharp Cellars, Black Coyote, Vision Cellars, Rideau Vineyards, Longevity Wines, McBride Sisters, Brown Estate, Stover Oaks, Marke Wines, Indigene Cellars, Sosabe and L’Objet Noir. Tuesday, Feb. 16, 2016 at 1300 on Fillmore Restaurant, 1300 Fillmore St., 5:30-8:30 p.m. http://www.1300fillmore.com

TOUR

Black History Month Programming with the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park – Stand On The Stern Of Balclutha, Face West To Feel The Fresh Wind Blowing In From The Pacific Ocean
Located in the Fisherman’s Wharf neighborhood, the San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park offers the sights, sounds, smells and stories of Pacific Coast maritime history. African Americans have played a major role in maritime history, from the earliest days of our nation to modern times, they have built, crewed and captained ships; fought in wars; invented tools and created maritime music. Join the San Francisco Maritime National Park in celebrating African American History Month with special programs throughout the month, including:

• African Americans and the Alaska Packers Association, Feb. 14, 2016

• The Great Migration in Alaska: African Americans, the Alaska Packers Association, and the Politics of Race at Sea, 1896-1929, Feb. 21 and 28, 2016

• Chanteys: The African American and Caribbean Connection, Feb. 27, 2016

San Francisco Maritime National Park, Visitor Center, 499 Jefferson St. at the corner of Hyde St. http://www.nps.gov/safr/index.htm

Download an Audio Tour Featuring the Black Panther Party – Visit the intersection where the Black Panthers Became The First Crossing Guards To Carry Shotguns 
Detour, the producers of mobile app audios curated and narrated by people who live here, offers a downloadable audio tour featuring the Black Panther Party and the Oakland neighborhood where the Black Power revolution took root. Produced by Oakland residents Jason Jakitis, Mwende Hahesy and Ian Davis, the tour walks through North Oakland’s Santa Fe neighborhood and allows listeners to hear directly from original Panthers such as Emory Douglas and Bobby Seale. Downloading the tour requires purchase of the Detour Application for iOS and Android. http://www.detour.com

The San Francisco Travel Association is the official destination marketing organization for the City and County of San Francisco. For information on reservations, activities and more, visit http://www.sanfrancisco.travel, read the Visitors Planning Guide or call 415-391-2000. San Francisco Travel also operates Visitor Information Centers at Hallidie Plaza, 900 Market Street at the corner of Powell and Market streets and on the lower level of Macy’s Union Square. For more information, visit http://www.sanfrancisco.travel. American Express® is the official Card partner of the San Francisco Travel Association.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) offers non-stop flights to more than 40 international cities on 34 international carriers. The Bay Area’s largest airport connects non-stop with 77 cities in the U.S. on 13 domestic airlines. SFO offers free upgraded Wi-Fi with no advertising. For up-to-the-minute departure and arrival information, airport maps and details on shopping, dining, cultural exhibitions, ground transportation and more, visit http://www.flysfo.com. Follow SFO on http://www.twitter.com/flysfo and http://www.facebook.com/flysfo.

Opening Reception to be Held on Sunday, March 13; Exhibit Runs Through Saturday, June 25

As Mattel reimagines the look of Barbie with the release of new dolls that have diverse physical appearances, ArtsWestchester, exploring what it means to be a woman today, has announced its 2016 spring exhibition, called SHE: Deconstructing Female Identity.

Mari Ogihara, “Underthing”

The contemporary art exhibition will open in March, during Women’s History Month, and run through the end of June, providing an artistic exploration of issues related to gender and female identity.

Laurel Garcia Colvin, “Beyond a Room of Our Own,” detail

“Modern American women are struggling to redefine themselves in the face of shifting societal values, changing perceptions of femininity and the choices between domesticity and executive leadership. These issues will be explored in a new exhibition, SHE, in which 11 artists will weigh in on the role of gender in society today,” said ArtsWestchester CEO Janet Langsam, adding that with support from the National Endowment for the Arts, the exhibition presents ideas by a selection of both well-known and emerging New York artists.

Debbie Han, “Season of Being I”

Mari Ogihara, Strip and Dismantle

For more than 50 years, ArtsWestchester has been the community’s connection to the arts. Founded in 1965, it is the largest, private, not-for-profit arts council in New York State whose mission is to provide leadership, vision, and support, to ensure the availability, accessibility, and diversity of the arts. The arts organization provides programs and services that enrich the lives of everyone in Westchester County, which includes helping fund concerts, exhibitions and plays through grants; bringing artists into schools and community centers; advocating for the arts; and building audiences through diverse marketing initiatives.

Nancy Davidson, installation view with “Maebe” and “Netella,” Prague 1999

Tricia Wright, “Vir Domesticus”

Kathy Ruttenberg, “The Nature of the Beast”

The opening reception for SHE: Deconstructing Female Identity will take place on Sunday, March 13 from 3:00 pm to 5:00PM. at ArtsWestchester, located at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue in White Plains, N.Y. The exhibition will be on view through Saturday, June 25.

The following artists will be featured in SHE includes Nicole Awai of Brooklyn, Laurel Garcia Colvin of Chappaqua, Nancy Davidson of New York City, Marcy B. Freedman of Croton-on-Hudson, Debbie Han of New York City, Rebecca Mushtare of Oswego, Valerie Piriano of Brooklyn, Mari Ogihara of White Plains, Kathy Ruttenberg of New York, Barbara Segal of Yonkers and Tricia Wright of Kingston

Debbie Han

Marcy B. Freedman

“Themes explored include the body, self-adornment and self-presentation, the domestic sphere and icons of the feminine,” added ArtsWestchester Gallery Director Kathleen Reckling. “The exhibition is designed to give women a space where their voices can be heard above the cacophony of social media, digital media, print media, marketers, politicians, pundits, and journalists. SHE will explore the concept that femininity, and gender generally, is a grand performance piece, a play within and against socially constructed themes and voices.

Debbie Han, “Eye of Perception”

Nicole Awai, “Specimen from Local Ephemera Drab Hanger,” (image courtesy of Nicole Awai and Artist Pension Trust)

In conjunction with the exhibit, Artswestchester will also provide community programs in partnership with local women’s organizations that will address women’s rights, relationship abuse, self-image and women’s career development, particularly in science and technology.

The community programs in March include:

Thursday, March 10, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – SHE is Beauty, an exhibition preview and benefit shopping night at Bloomingdales in White Plains, N.Y.

Monday, March 21, 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Join ArtsWestchester for a performance and Q&A with an art world icon and iconoclast. The Guerrilla Girls have appeared in almost every U.S. state and on almost every continent, using facts and humor to expose and protest discrimination. Online registration required.

(A full listing of these programs that will occur through June can be found by visiting www.artswestchester.org)

Rebecca Mushtare, “SIGNal”

Admission is free to the public. Docent tours of the exhibit are available to the public and for private groups with a suggested per person donation. ArtsWestchester gallery hours are Tuesday through Friday, 12:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Saturday, 12:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. For more information, visit https://artswestchester.org/she-deconstructing-female-identity

In 1998, ArtsWestchester purchased the nine-story neo-classical bank building at 31 Mamaroneck Avenue which has since been transformed into a multi-use resource for artists, cultural organizations, and the community. A two-story gallery is located on the first floor of ArtsWestchester’s historic building on Mamaroneck Avenue.

Applications Now Being Accepted Through April 1st

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale, which showcases the latest in Western-inspired contemporary functional art, will return to the Snow King Events Center in Jackson, Wyoming, Sept. 8-11, 2016. The popular Jackson Hole event displays the work for purchase of more than 130 best-of-their-craft artisans, who are selected by a jury of experts to present a variety of hand-crafted innovations in Western furniture, fashion, jewelry, accessories for the home and more.

The 24th annual Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale is a four-day, multimillion-dollar event that brings together craftspeople, collectors, interior designers, architects and fashion designers with a love of the West, sponsored by Mountain Living magazine. The Western Design Conference was founded 24 years ago in Cody, Wyo., as a way to promote contemporary artists working in historical American craft methods. The WDC moved to Jackson in 2007. Allison Merritt, who purchased the WDC in 2014, after seven years acting as event manager, continues the strong commitment to Western arts in Wyoming while expanding the reach of the show. From documented American craft to home design to couture fashion, the show encompasses all aspects of the best of Western design.

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale showcases unique furniture such as this music stand and chair by Henneford Fine Furniture, the 2015 winner of Best Craftsmanship at the 2015 event.

While the Exhibit + Sale’s contemporary Western design may take cues from the history and culture of the Old West, “a walk through the exhibit hall dispels the notion that Western furnishings are heavy or rough-hewn,” wrote the Denver Post after a visit to last year’s WDC. The one-of-a-kind pieces on display reflect a high degree of sophistication, creativity and craftsmanship – often with an innovative use of distinctly Western materials. Another aspect that makes the experience special for visitors, explains Merritt in a video capturing the excitement of the WDC, is the direct interaction with the artists for a deeper understanding of their influences and process.

Attendees of the Western Design Conference can browse and purchase a wide range of jewelry and accessories from artists across the country such as this dramatic necklace by Beltshazzar Jewels.

“These are artists creating at the highest levels of contemporary craft,” says Merritt. But beyond the remarkable workmanship, “sometimes it’s hearing the artist’s personal inspiration behind a particular piece that gives it deeper meaning to the buyer, so that when they take it home, it is so much more than just a beautiful object.”

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale is the only event of its kind – the preeminent exhibition and sale of Western functional art, from furniture and accessories to fashion and jewelry. The event has also become a cornerstone of the annual Jackson Hole Fall Arts Festival.

Each year the WDC selects a new panel of five nationally recognized judges, awarding artists over $19,000 for excellence in design. “It is with the generosity of local sponsors and art enthusiasts that the WDC is able to offer the opportunity to vie for tens of thousands of dollars in cash prizes annually. The Exhibit + Sale truly unites buyers and artists, taking no percentage of sales,” says Merritt, who continues to grow the event in new directions – including adding a Designer Show House and Retail Row – while drawing record-breaking numbers of visitors.

Kicking off the 2016 Western Design Conference is the Opening Preview Party, a highly anticipated night for visitors and locals alike that last year drew more than 1,500 guests. The party begins at 6 pm. with no shortage of visual entertainment. The work of juried artists and their booths are open for shopping while guests enjoy signature cocktails and delicious catered fare. For this year’s party, the WDC has added more open bars and will feature six food stations with culinary creations by Café Genevieve.

Returning to the WDC is the Western Design Conference Fashion Show presented by Ward + Blake Architects, showcasing innovative couture collections by top fashion designers incorporating Western spirit and tradition into their work. Models strut the catwalk in an energetic performance that surpasses a typical runway event. VIP tickets for the Opening Preview Party sell out quickly, but can be purchased in advance here: http://westerndesignconference.com/events-item/fashion-jewelry-show-vip/.

The Design Show House, located in the center of the event, is a recent addition to the Western Design Conference. The 2015 Foyer shown here was created by WRJ Design of Jackson Hole.

Also returning this year will be a fresh new Designer Show House, featuring six professionally designed rooms by interior designers demonstrating how to incorporate fine Western design into home interiors. The Designer Show House will be on display through Sunday along with the annual Exhibit + Sale, the WDC’s three-day main event, showcasing the juried museum-quality art by the more than 130 Western-inspired artists. Also featured this year, a bigger-than-ever Retail Row – an entire wing of the Snow King Events Center where guests can shop everything from boots to jewelry to décor and fashion.

The Western Design Conference Exhibit + Sale inspires visitors with its handcrafted decorative arts and the opportunity to talk with artisan creators of the one-of-a-kind pieces.

Artists interested in participating in the Western Design Conference can apply here: http://westerndesignconference.com/register/. Additional information on the WDC, including schedules and tickets, is available at http://www.westerndesignconference.com and on Facebook and Twitter @WesternDesign.

Multiple Artists from 13 Countries and the Bay Area to Feature in Over 100 Performances, Installations and Exhibitions.

Who: Multiple Artists

What: San Francisco International Arts Festival

Where: Fort Mason Center for Art and Culture

When: May 19 – June 5, 2016

Tickets: $12 – $35 (Website Live and Early Bird Tickets on-sale Tuesday March 1, 2016) Box Office: 415.345.7575 www.sfiaf.org

Info: 415-399-9554 info@sfiaf.org

The SF International Arts Festival has announced the detailed program for the 2016 Festival, which will take place from May 19 to June 5 as a co- presentation with the Fort Mason Center for Arts and Culture. More than 50 performance ensembles will participate in the 2016 Festival including some of the Bay Area’s finest as well as companies travelling from as far afield as Canada, Colombia, England, France, Japan, Lithuania, Morocco, Northern Ireland, the Republic of Ireland, Serbia, South Korea, Switzerland and Taiwan.

SFIAF 2016 – HinduSwing

Director, Andrew Wood said, “We are happy to unveil the 2016 San Francisco International Arts Festival and are positively ecstatic to be continuing to build on our relationship with the Fort Mason Center. Working together we have been able to create what we think has become the largest annual international gathering of performance artists in the western United States. It’s going to be an exciting program and lot of fun.”

San Francisco International Arts Festival Announces 2016 Program

The participants schedules for 2016 San Francisco International Arts Festival include performances by (a–z): Adrian Arias, AguaClara Flamenco with Trio Garufo, Alma del Tango, Anthony Brown’s Asian American Jazz Orchestra, Ava Roy of We Players, Avotjca and Modupue, Bandelion, Borromeo String Quartet with William Winant, Brenda Wong Aoki with Mark Izu, CALI & CO in collaboration with OngDance Company and Matt EL, the Caravan Band, Charlie Levin, Chus Alonso and Potaje with Fandangueros, Cascada de Flores and Charmaine Clamor, Cimarrón, Dana Lawton Dance Company, David Kleinberg, David Molina and Idris Ackamoor, Del Sol String Quartet, Eliana Lopez, Embark Gallery, Genny Lim with Marshall Trammell, Hassan El Jai, HATCH Performance Collective, Hiroshi Koike’s Bridge Project, Impuritan with Anna Geyer, Loachfillet, Flower Pattern and Edna Mira Raia, Inferno Theatre, Jon Jang Quintet, Kate Perry, Kinetech Arts, Lora Juodkaite, Musette, Musical Arts Quintet, Nancy Wang of Eth Noh Tec, Pan Pan Theatre, Peter Whitehead, Rob Melrose of Cutting Ball Theatre, Rotimi Agbabiaka of the San Francisco Mime Troupe, Russell Blackwood of Thrill Peddlers, Sara Porter, Shang-Chi Sun, Shinichi Iova-Koga of inkBoat, Steamroller, Surya Berthomieux, T42 Dance Project, Tony Kelly, Theatre Movement International, Touretteshero, Trio Balkan Strings, ViBO Simfani, Wooden Fish Ensemble and Yaelisa & Caminos Flamencos.

SFIAF 2016 Programs Listed Chronologically by Discipline:

Dance, Music, Performance Art, Theatre, Visual Art

Note: ** – Some programs featuring more than one discipline (e.g. dance with live music) are listed in both categories.

* RELAXED PERFORMANCES welcome people with neurological conditions such as Tourettes syndrome to enjoy the show along with other audience members. This means the audience will not be expected to remain conventionally quiet on these occasions. If wherever possible the media could share this information with the general public that would be greatly appreciated.

SFIAF relaxed performances to date are as follows: White Rabbit, Red Rabbit May 20, 28 and June 5. HATCH Performance Collective May 28. Shang Chi Sun and STEAMROLLER May 28. Bandelion May 29 4:00pm and 9:00pm. Touretteshero June 2, June 4 and June 5.

San Francisco International Arts Festival 2016 Dance Program

Hiroshi Koike Bridge Project (Japan), Restaurant of Many Orders

Cowell Theater, Thursday May 19 8:00pm, and Friday May 20 9:30pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 85 minutes, no intermission.

Japan will be represented by Hiroshi Koike’s Bridge Project with the US premiere of their acclaimed dance theatre performance Restaurant of Many Orders based on Miyazawa Kenji’s story for children where the hunters make a fundamental mistake and become the hunted. This will be Koike’s first visit to San Francisco since changing the name of the company, previously named Pappa Tarahumara.

SFIAF 2016 – Lora Juodkaite

Lora Juodkaite (Lithuania), Atmintis (Memory)

Firehouse Thursday May 19 8:00pm, Saturday May 21 9:30pm, Sunday May 22 8:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 55 minutes, no intermission.

Making her US debut in a dance performance titled Memory Lithuanian choreographer Lora Juodkaitė dives into the depths of human memory revealing forms and layer after layer meaning in a search for one’s true self. The choreography unfolds in a geometric square that represents four points of human memory: memorization, storage of memory, reminiscence and forgetting.

Alma del Tango with Trio Garufa (USA), Tango Night**

Gallery 308, Friday May 21 8:00pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Tango Night, an intimate evening by Alma del Tango, explores the rich diversity of the dance, from the close embrace of the social dance floor to the fast flying legs of the fantasia stage. Bay Area’s top professional tango dancers express their unique styles to the live music of the virtuosic international tango ensemble, Trio Garufa. Romantic, passionate, even quirky, these dancers dazzle the eye and capture the heart. Now in its 30th year, San Francisco’s Argentine Tango community is one of the largest outside of Buenos Aires and is embraced by a multitude of nationalities and ages.

CALI & CO dance/Matt EL with Ong Dance Company and Sooyeon Lyuh (USA and South Korea), HERE

Cowell Theater Friday May 20 7:00pm, Saturday May 21 9:30pm, Sunday May 22 2:30pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. A shared bill with Dana Lawton Dance

Duration: Friday 60 minutes no intermission. Saturday and Sunday 85 minutes with a pause.

Welcome to HERE a live dance and music/Korean and American collaboration about the places you’ve been, are now and will continue to reside, regardless of the human need for distraction. HERE captures the rapture of existence through a new piece de resistance by CALI & CO dance/Matt EL music with guest collaborators Kyoungil Ong/Ong Dance Company and Sooyeon Lyuh. HERE is a rare, creative amalgamation of identity and culture through traditional Korean dance and music with American modern dance and rock music. Coursing shadow and light through its structure, HERE seeks to highlight the beauty and soften the pain of existence.

SFIAF 2016 – Dana Lawton Dance Company

Dana Lawton Dances (USA), An Evening of Repertory

Cowell Theater Friday May 20 7:00pm, Saturday May 21 9:30pm, Sunday May 22 2:30pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. A shared bill with CALI & CO

Duration: Friday 60 minutes no intermission. Saturday and Sunday 85 minutes with a pause.

Showcasing music by contemporary composers, Dana Lawton Dances will present three dance works: Silence Of… by Bay Area composer, Stephanie Webster; Wax and Wire by nationally acclaimed composer, Viet Cuong and Dream of the Cherry Blossoms by Japanese composer Keiko Abe.

Sara Porter (Canada), Sara Does a Solo

Southside Theater, Friday May 20, 8:00pm, Sunday May 22 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Celebrated Canadian dancer Sara Porter gives a fearless interplay of fact and fiction, memoir and fantasy, confession and caricature. With a penchant for humor and sharp eye to visual design, Porter presents her world with intimacy and pathos, hilarity and beauty in physical stories about life as an artist and parent. Part memoir, dance performance, and stand-up comedy, Sara does a Solo is a fearless account of the body and the reflective mind unlike anything else. “A bold and beautiful account of mid-life.”

Caravan Band (USA), Jump on the Caravan**

Gallery 308, Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22 3:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door.

Duration 80-90 minutes with intermission.

The Caravan Band and Dancers perform traditionally inspired dances of the Middle Eastern world showing the diversity of the music, dance and costuming from the silk and spice roads from the Near East, Middle East and North Africa. A rich and vibrant performance in the intimate cabaret setting of Fort Mason Center’s Gallery 308.

Potaje /Fandangueros/Cascada de Flores (USA), Fandango-Pandanggo**

Cowell Theater, Saturday May 21 6:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Duration 70 minutes, no intermission

The “fandango” represents an extensive family of musical styles and dances that span three continents with relatives such as the “Pandanggo” from Philippines, the “Fandanguillo” from Mexico, and the “Fandangos de Huelva” from Spain. FANDANGO-PANDANGGO is a music, dance and multimedia performance exploring historical musical interactions between the Philippines, Mexico, Cuba and Spain. Spanish and Filipino composers, Chus Alonso and Florante Aguilar, respectively, examine the music that connects them and present new works supported by a team of collaborators that include the ensembles Potaje, Fandangueros and Cascada de Flores; singer Charmaine Clamor, flamenco dancer Melissa Cruz and multimedia artists Alleluia Panis and Wilfred Galila.

Shang-Chi Sun (Taiwan), Traverse

Firehouse, Thursday May 26 8:00pm, Friday May 27 9:30pm, Saturday May 28 5:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. A shared bill with STEAMROLLER.

Duration: 60 minutes with intermission

Audience Notification: The performance on May 28 is Relaxed*

A solo performance by Berlin based Taiwanese choreographer Shang-Chi Sun, Traverse hits you first with its multiplicity, the pace and the layers of the body and its environment, sometimes complementary, sometimes opposing. It is a transcription in movement of a presence whose strength, desires, impulses are emancipating and going through its temporal memories. Traverse is first of all a very personal piece with the signature of an exceptional dancer. The speed, fluidity and multiplicity of his choreographic language is completed by an amazing precision and sense of rhythm. A direct, pure, straight forward dance.

STEAMROLLER Dance Company (USA), Legendary Children

Firehouse, Thursday May 26 8:00pm, Friday May 27 9:30pm, Saturday May 28 5:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. A shared bill with Shang Chi Sun.

Duration: 60 minutes with intermission.

Audience Notification: The performance on May 28 is Relaxed*

Legendary Children is the latest work by STEAMROLLER Dance Company that explores and explodes contemporary notions of queerness. Set in the penultimate disco dance floor, Legendary Children explores Queer lineage both historical and personal using recorded interviews that are interwoven throughout the performance. Dances that explore the essentiality of queerness set to the music of contemporary queer artists such as Matzos, Bright Light, Bright Light and Jimmy Somerville bump up against the interviews to look at what, if any are the differences between queer bodies and straight bodies and at the body as a site of queer pleasure, queer sorrow and queer resistance.

AguaClara Flamenco (USA), Compás y Corazón: Tablao Flamenco**

Gallery 308, Friday May 27 9:30pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance, $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance, $35 door.

Duration 80-90 minutes with intermission.

AguaClara Flamenco presents Compás y Corazón: Tablao Flamenco in a collaboration of international flamenco artists residing in California, representing Spain, France, Japan, and the U.S. Set up in a cabaret format with a highly-charged, improvisational approach inspired by the gutsy flamenco tablaos of Spain, the company offers an authentic glimpse into the raw, rhythmic heart of this powerful art form.

Yaelisa & Caminos Flamenco (USA)**

Cowell Theater. Friday June 3, 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 90 minutes with intermission.

Caminos Flamencos was founded by Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer Yaelisa. The mission of Caminos Flamencos is to create and present contemporary, traditional and theatrical dance programs showcasing artists from Spain and the U.S., which reflect the changing face of flamenco in the 21st century. Their programs seek to preserve the legacy of Spain’s rich artistic heritage, and bring them to people of all backgrounds, enriching the lives of people with Spanish and Hispanic ancestry, and of the community at large.

Surya Berthomieux in collaboration with the Musical Art Quintet (France and USA),

Firehouse Friday June 3 7:00pm, Saturday June 4 9:00pm, Sunday June 5 4:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes with intermission.

French choreographer and dancer Surya Berthomieux will make her American debut performing a new 30 minute solo work accompanied by the Musical Art Quintet, with an original score by Sascha Jacobsen. The performance piece is about the ever present struggle with self-image and appearances; a journey through emotion, inner tautness, anger and sorrow—a fight to attain a state of self-acceptance and ultimately shed light on what is behind suffering—the energy of life: love. In spite of everything, love has always been in us. The second half of the program will feature new compositions and arrangements by Sascha Jacobsen for the Musical Art Quintet.

T42 Dance Project (Switzerland), Another Chopstick Story

Firehouse Friday June 3 9:30pm, Saturday June 4 3:00pm, Sunday June 5 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes with intermission.

Versatile, dynamic, humorous, original, unconventional and award winning. Switzerland’s bi-racial choreographing duo Misato Inoue and Félix Duméril make their San Francisco debut with a metaphorical example of the so-called clash of cultures. Another Chopsticks Story was created with an approach that applies a humorous nod to the story of Madame Butterfly and is virtuosically delivered with a large portion of self-irony.

San Francisco International Arts Festival 2016 Music Program

SFIAF 2016 – Cimarron

Cimarrón (Colombia)

Gallery 308, Thursday May 19 8:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door. Duration 80 minutes (plus encore), no intermission.

Cimarrón are from the cattle rearing, Llanos Orientales region of Colombia. They bring a fierce display of rippling melodies and powerful rhythms, combining Andalusian, Indigenous Indian and African roots. Led by harpist Carlos Rojas, the musicians explore and experiment with their rich heritage while retaining the essence of the tradition. A powerful performance in a cabaret setting to celebrate the opening night of the Festival.

Alma del Tango with Trio Garufa (USA), Tango Night**

Gallery 308, Friday May 21 8:00pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission

Tango Night, an intimate evening by Alma del Tango, explores the rich diversity of the dance, from the close embrace of the social dance floor to the fast flying legs of the fantasia stage. Bay Area’s top professional tango dancers express their unique styles to the live music of the virtuosic international tango ensemble, Trio Garufa. Romantic, passionate, even quirky, these dancers dazzle the eye and capture the heart. Now in its 30th year, San Francisco’s Argentine Tango community is one of the largest outside of Buenos Aires and is embraced by a multitude of nationalities and ages.

Genny Lim and Marshall Trammell (USA) Black Geomancy and Tantric (G)hosts: The Sound of Temple Kailasa**

Firehouse Friday May 20 7:00pm, Saturday May 21 4:30pm. Tickets general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission

With Genny Lim, Marshall Trammell and Lama Pema Tenzin. A sonogram is a graph representing a sound, which shows the distribution of energy at different frequencies or a visual image produced from an ultrasound, as routinely used to monitor fetuses in pregnancies. Taking this science into the realm of music and voice, Black Geomancy and Tantric (G)hosts, explores the interaction of space and energy through the synergy of sound: music, poetry, voice, Buddhist chants and prayers in synchronicity.

Caravan Band USA), Jump on the Caravan**

Gallery 308, Saturday May 21 and Sunday May 22 3:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door.

Duration 80-90 minutes with intermission.

The Caravan Band and Dancers perform traditionally inspired dances of the Middle Eastern world showing the diversity of the music, dance and costuming from the silk and spice roads from the Near East, Middle East and North Africa. A rich and vibrant performance in the intimate cabaret setting of Fort Mason Center’s Gallery 308.

Potaje /Fandangueros/Cascada de Flores (USA), Fandango-Pandanggo**

Cowell Theater, Saturday May 21 6:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Duration 70 minutes, no intermission

The “fandango” represents an extensive family of musical styles and dances that span three continents with relatives such as the “Pandanggo” from Philippines, the “Fandanguillo” from Mexico, and the “Fandangos de Huelva” from Spain. FANDANGO-PANDANGGO is a music, dance and multimedia performance exploring historical musical interactions between the Philippines, Mexico, Cuba and Spain. Spanish and Filipino composers, Chus Alonso and Florante Aguilar, respectively, examine the music that connects them and present new works supported by a team of collaborators that include the ensembles Potaje, Fandangueros and Cascada de Flores; singer Charmaine Clamor, flamenco dancer Melissa Cruz and multimedia artists Alleluia Panis and Wilfred Galila.

Jon Jang Quintet (USA), Can’t Stop Cryin’ for America: Black Lives Matter!

Gallery 308, Saturday May 21 7:00pm Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door. Duration: 90 minutes, no intermission.

Can’t Stop Cryin’ for America: Black Lives Matter!, is a music work in progress in collaboration with poet performer Amanda Kemp. The work will be organized into seven vignettes named after each black victim or group killed by the police and/or white supremacists this past year: Eric Garner (New York), John Crawford III (Ohio), Michael Brown (Ferguson, Missouri), Tamir Rice (Ohio), Freddie Gray (Maryland), six black mothers and three black men (Charleston, South Carolina) and Sandra Bland (Texas), The final vignette, Five Young Black Men, will memorialize Emmett Till, Oscar Grant, Trayvon Martin, John Powell and Mario Woods.

Trio Balkan Strings (Serbia), Fly by Balkan Carpet with the Trio Balkan Strings

Chapel Saturday May 21 3:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 70 minutes, no intermission.

Balkan Swing-World Fusion and more, but at first guitar music written, arranged and performed by Zoran, Nikola and Zeljko Starcevic includes specific Balkan ornamentations and asymmetrical rhythms. Their trade mark is six hand playing on one guitar.

Avotjca and Modupue (USA)

Gallery 308 Sunday May 22, 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $15 advance, $20 door. Reserved seating $20 advance $25 door. Front row reserved seating $25 advance $30 door.

Duration: 90 minutes with intermission.

This music mirrors the cultural crossroads of the Caribbean, a region that has absorbed the cultures of the people that have passed through there into a sensual multifaceted polyrhythmic stew. Avotcja’s poetic sensibility brings out the creative powers in these extraordinary musicians and pushes them in new and exciting directions, led on by the words images and not

tethered to the confines of a traditional “song” format.” Gregorio “Greg” Landau

Musette (USA)

Gallery 308, Friday May 27, 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $15 advance, $20 door. Reserved seating $20 advance $25 door. Front row reserved seating $25 advance $30 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission.

Musette will perform a number of works by American composers invoking themes of nature. These will include The Nightingale by Deborah Henson-Conant, a piece Ms. Henson-Conant composed around 2005 to commemorate the passing ofher mother grouped with other scores about birds, animals, insects and nature. These include works by two other American composers Birds in Winter by Michael Mauldin and Mariposas by Roberto Sierra

AguaClara Flamenco (USA), Compás y Corazón: Tablao Flamenco**

Gallery 308, Friday May 27 9:30pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance, $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance, $35 door.

Duration 80-90 minutes with intermission.

AguaClara Flamenco presents Compás y Corazón: Tablao Flamenco in a collaboration of international flamenco artists residing in California, representing Spain, France, Japan, and the U.S. Set up in a cabaret format with a highly-charged, improvisational approach inspired by the gutsy flamenco tablaos of Spain, the company offers an authentic glimpse into the raw, rhythmic heart of this powerful art form.

Wooden Fish Ensemble (USA), The Wooden Fish Ensemble plays Hyo-shin Na Boudewijn Buckinx!

Chapel, Saturday May 28 3:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 90 minutes, no intermission.

The Wooden Fish Ensemble will present a program of music by the Korean American composer Hyo-shin Na and the Belgian composer Boudewijn Buckinx. The program will have two exciting premieres: a new work for violin solo by Buckinx and “Koto, Violin” for koto and violin by Na. Also programmed: “Dreaming of Li-Po” by Buckinx and three works by Na – “The Sky Was Beyond Description” for koto/bass koto, “Koto Ninano” for 3 kotos, and “Night Procession of the Hundred Demons” for 3 bass kotos. Four members of the Wooden Fish Ensemble – Terrie Baune, – violin, Shoko Hikage – koto/bass koto, Noriko Tsuboi, – koto/bass koto, and Yuki Yasuda – koto/bass koto – will play these six works.

Impuritan, Anna Geyer, Loachfillet, Flower Pattern, Edna Mira Raia (USA), Dada Explodes: A Burst of Sound, Light, and the Absurd

Gallery 308, Saturday May 28 8:30pm, Tickets: general admission $12 advance, $20 door ($15 with Dada attire or costume).

Duration 120 minutes, no intermission.

Composer/sound artist David Molina curates a surrealist carnival of Dada. Experimental rock band Impuritan and filmmaker Anna Geyer offer a sonic and visual journey through life, death, love, hate, matter, space, evolution and extinction. Impuritan’s epic compositions blend psychedelic, ambient, punk, noise, shoegaze, and surf/post/space rock. Geyer creates kaleidoscopes of color and surreal landscapes with hand-processed 16mm film loops, mixed on 3 projectors. Sound artist Loach Fillet and video artist Flower Pattern emanate a wall of throbbing sound and visuals. Actor/Comedian Edna Mira Raia hosts the evening as Hillary’s Radio Show. Audience is encouraged to wear Dada attire or costumes.

Ackamoor/Molina Duo, Yvette Janine Jackson, David Molina (USA), Duets in The Key Of DADA

Gallery 308, Thursday June 2 8:00pm. Tickets: general admission $15 advance, $20 door. Reserved seating $20 advance $25 door. Front row reserved seating $25 advance $30 door.

Duration 120 minutes with intermission.

Composer, multi-instrumentalist, instrument inventor David Molina brings you an evening of improvised duets in the spirit of DADA. Opening will be composer, electronic musician, and trumpet player Yvette Janine Jackson, with Molina on electric guitar and effects pedals. Second set features Molina on Rusting Souls, a modified, electromagnetic hammered dulcimer while Jackson loops and sonically manipulates Molina’s performance. Closing will be Ackamoor Molina Duo, featuring avant-spiritual jazz saxophonist Idris Ackamoor, founder of the legendary Pyramids. The duo performs ritualistic cleansing ceremonies in the form of music and play multitude of traditional and invented instruments, which are processed with electronics.

Yaelisa & Caminos Flamenco (USA)**

Cowell Theater. Friday June 3, 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 90 minutes with intermission.

Caminos Flamencos was founded by Emmy Award-winning dancer and choreographer Yaelisa. The mission of Caminos Flamencos is to create and present contemporary, traditional and theatrical dance programs showcasing artists from Spain and the U.S., which reflect the changing face of flamenco in the 21st century. Their programs seek to preserve the legacy of Spain’s rich artistic heritage, and bring them to people of all backgrounds, enriching the lives of people with Spanish and Hispanic ancestry, and of the community at large.

SFIAF 2016 – Borromeo String Quartet

Borromeo String Quartet with William Winant (USA), Percussion Quintet

Gallery 308, Friday June 3 7:00pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Each visionary performance of the award-winning Borromeo String Quartet strengthens and deepens its reputation as one of the most important ensembles of our time. For SFIAF they will perform the world premiere of the Bay Area composer Hi Kyung Kim’s Percussion Quintet with guest percussionist, William Winant.

Surya Berthomieux in collaboration with the Musical Art Quintet (France and USA), AiME

Firehouse Friday June 3 7:00pm, Saturday June 4 9:00pm, Sunday June 5 8:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes with intermission.

French choreographer and dancer Surya Berthomieux will make her American debut performing a new 30 minute solo work accompanied by the Musical Art Quintet, with an original score by Sascha Jacobsen. The performance piece is about the ever present struggle with self-image and appearances; a journey through emotion, inner tautness, anger and sorrow—a fight to attain a state of self-acceptance and ultimately shed light on what is behind suffering—the energy of life: love. In spite of everything, love has always been in us. The second half of the program will feature new compositions and arrangements by Sascha Jacobsen for the Musical Art Quintet.

SFIAF 2016 – Del Song String Quartet

Del Sol String Quartet (USA)

Gallery 308, Friday June 3 9:30pm. Tickets: general admission $15 advance, $20 door. Reserved seating $20 advance $25 door. Front row reserved seating $25 advance $30 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission.

Featuring music of composers from around the world, the concert examines themes that bring us together as human beings. With music by Australian legendary composer Peter Sculthorpe Del Sol looks to the increasingly distressing issues of global warming and environmental destruction. Arab- American composers Mohammed Fairouz weaves together melodies of commonalities among religions from the Middle East in The Named Angels. This is followed by the heart-breaking voices of the Cambodian genocide crying out in Chinary Ung’s Spiral X.

Peter Whitehead (USA), Musical Mini Marathon

Gallery 308 Saturday June 4 12:00pm. Tickets general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Duration: eight hours, some intermissions. Re-entry permitted.

Composer, instrument builder and musician Peter Whitehead will stage an eight hour Musical Mini Marathon consisting of himself and a series of invited guests playing a large, varied collection of musical instruments built by Mr. Whitehead. He will remain on the stage throughout the performance with guests joining him every hour for half hour collaborations. Audience members can come and go throughout the performance and stay for as long as they choose.

ViBO Simfani (USA)

Chapel, Saturday June 4 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission.

World music at its best, ViBO Simfani bridges cultures from around the globe by fusing elements of Latin jazz, folk, classical and Brazilian styles such as Bossa Nova and Choro. The end result is romantic, fun and mystical all at once. With the impeccable performance and arrangements of strings, woodwinds, guitar and percussion, ViBO Simfani reinterprets the traditional repertoire with an original sound in the ecclesiastical setting of Fort Mason Center’s Chapel venue.

SFIAF 2016 – Anthony Brown’s Asian American Jazz Orchestra

Anthony Brown’s Asian American Orchestra featuring vocalist Amikaeyla Gaston and poet Genny Lim in collaboration with the Ojala Bata Ensemble (USA) We Insist! Freedom Now Suite: 2016

Gallery 308, Sunday June 5 2:00pm and 7:00pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door. Reserved seating $25 advance $30 door. Front row reserved seating $30 advance $35 door. Duration: 85 minutes, no intermission.

We Insist! Freedom Now was the first overtly political jazz album long-playing (LP) record featuring poetry and songs advocating for equality and justice. Recorded and released in 1960 to critical acclaim, We Insist! remains a landmark musical milestone composed by band leader/percussionist Max Roach in collaboration with poet Oscar Brown, Jr. In commemoration of the courage of their forbearers’ convictions and commitment to human rights, Dr. Anthony Brown’s GRAMMY- nominated Asian American Orchestra, re-imagines this significant project to share its timeless message of social and racial justice and its continuing relevance to today’s #BlackLivesMatter Movement and the upsurge of anti-Muslim violence.

San Francisco International Arts Festival 2016 Performance Art Program

Genny Lim and Marshall Trammell (USA) Black Geomancy and Tantric (G)hosts: The Sound of Temple Kailasa**

Firehouse Friday May 20 7:00pm, Saturday May 21 4:30pm. Tickets general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission

With Genny Lim, Marshall Trammell and Lama Pema Tenzin. A sonogram is a graph representing a sound, which shows the distribution of energy at different frequencies or a visual image produced from an ultrasound, as routinely used to monitor fetuses in pregnancies. Taking this science into the realm of music and voice, Black Geomancy and Tantric (G)hosts, explores the interaction of space and energy through the synergy of sound: music, poetry, voice, Buddhist chants and prayers in synchronicity.

Embark Gallery (USA), Enact

Firehouse Friday May 20 9:30pm, Saturday May 21 6:30pm, Sunday May 22 5:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission.

Enact is a sampling of contemporary performance art by performing and visual artists Minoosh Zomorodinia, Christopher Squier, Lorenzo Cardim and Marissa Katarina Bergmann. Presented by Embark Gallery, the performances utilize light, sound and movement giving life to components of human experience and highlighting the power of individual action. The piece addresses issues from humankind’s response to natural disaster to the relationship with historical architecture. Performed in three acts throughout the spaces of Fort Mason’s Firehouse venue.

Adrian Arias (USA), When Fire Visits Us

Chapel and Gallery 308, Saturday-Sunday, May 20-21, 11:00am. Tickets: general admission $15 in advance, $20 at the door.

Duration: 120 minutes with procession

Directed by Adrian Arias Dancers-performers: Zöe Klein, Amelia Uzástegui, Natan Dazkal, Anaís Azul, Adrián Arias Special Guests: La Tania, Clara Rodriguez Musicians: Amelia Romano, Misha Khalikulov, Josh Mellinger, Anais Azul Guest composers: Schuyler Karr & Anais Azul.

Hatch Performance Collective (USA), FireHouse/WatersEdge

Firehouse, Saturday and Sunday May 21-29 2:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 60 minutes, no intermission.

A site-specific meditation on opposing forces: coming and going, ebb and flow, boom and bust, fire and water. Using material culled through collaborative work and play, HATCHlings will spontaneously create a progressive suite of genre-defying performances in and around the Fort Mason Firehouse at the edge of San Francisco Bay.

Charlie Levin (USA), Single Point Perspective

Chapel Saturday May 21 5:00pm, Friday May 27 7:00pm, Sunday May 29 4:00pm, Friday June 3 9:30pm. Tickets: general admission $15 advance, $20 door.

Duration 45 – 60 minutes, no intermission.

In this unique and intimate performance, witness a painting come to life in response to a text read aloud by the audience. Starting behind a large, clear piece of glass, Levin uses melted wax to create illuminated images that change with the direction and intensity of light. The elegiac text blends personal interviews, Twitter feeds, and other quotes with original reflections on perspective, race, conflict, grief, and loss. Experience how both truth and art are created — by many single perspectives together.

Kinetech Arts (USA), Elements of Others

Gallery 308, Wednesday May 25 8:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Paying homage to the spirit of Dadaism, Elements of Others is a site specific installation and performance with live music, dance, poetry, projection mapping, and audience interaction. It draws inspiration from the history of the location and the city. Elements of Others embraces chaos and irrationality by using a random markov process to dictate the progress of the performance, allowing many events to happen by chance.

SFIAF 2016 – Bandelion

Bandelion (USA), Beware the Band of Lions III

Firehouse, Sunday May 29, 4:00pm and 9:00pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Audience Notification: All performances are Relaxed*

Beware the Band of Lions III transmits Eric Kupers Bandelion’s ongoing inquiry into radically inclusive, interdisciplinary, experimental performance, exploring how performance can include the audience as active participants—towards the goal of everyone in the room having visceral opportunities for transformation and healing.

San Francisco International Arts Festival 2016 Theatre Program

Nassim Soleimanpour (Iran), White Rabbit, Red Rabbit

Chapel, Thursday May 19 8:00pm (Ava Roy, We Players), Friday May 20 8:00pm (Rotimi Agbabiaka, San Francisco Mime Troupe), Saturday May 21 8:00pm (Shinichi Iova-Koga, inkBoat), Sunday May 22 2:00pm (Nato Green, Urban IDEA), 7:00pm (foolsFury), Saturday May 28 6:00pm (Eric Reid, Theater MadCap), Sunday May 29 7:00pm (Russell Blackwood, Thrillpeddlers), Thursday June 2 8:00 pm (Nancy Wang, Eth Noh Tec, APICC), Friday June 3 7:00 pm (Rob Melrose, SFIAF), Saturday June 4 2:00pm (Eliana Lopez, PODER. En Espagnol. Note: this performance is in Spanish), Sunday June 5 3:00pm (Tony Kelly). Tickets: general admission $15 advance, $20 door. Note: Some performances are benefits and may add a higher price ticket.

Duration approximately 60 minutes, no intermission.

Audience Notification: The performances on May 20, May 28 and June 5 are Relaxed* Iranian playwright Nassim Soleimanpour declined to serve in his country’s armed forces, in return the Iranian government denied Mr. Soleimanpour’s request for a passport. Unable to leave Iran, he has instead sent a script to SFIAF to have other people read it for him.

Soleimanpour’s arresting and allegorical work, White Rabbit, Red Rabbit, dissects the experience of a whole generation in a wild, utterly original play. Soleimanpour turns his isolation to his own advantage with the play (written in English) which requires no director, no set, and a different actor for every performance. Per Mr. Soleimanpour’s instruction, the script of White Rabbit, Red Rabbit will be opened in front of the audience and performed unrehearsed by a new initiate each night.

Brenda Wong Aoki with Mark Izu (USA), Uncle Gunjiro’s Girlfriend

Southside Theater, Thursday May 19 8:30pm, Saturday May 21 9:00pm, Sunday May 22 3:30pm, Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 70 minutes, no intermission.

A secret shame at the time of the Great Earthquake, the marriage of Helen Emery daughter of the Archdeacon of Grace Cathedral and Gunjiro Aoki, scion of a samurai noble house, sparked Yellow peril journalism, public outrage, death threats and the loss of Ms. Emery’s citizenship. Told by Gunjiro’s grandniece Brenda Wong Aoki accompanied by Emmy Award winning composer Mark Izu, and koto artist Shoko Hikage, repercussions from Gunjiro’s marriage reverberate into the new millennium. Uncle Gunjiro’s Girlfriend, the U.S. representative to the Adelaide International Festival. “Fascinating and inspirational” – Chicago Weekly Reader. “a great gift to the jazz tradition” – Downbeat Magazine

Theatre Movement International (USA), Homecoming

Southside Theater, Saturday May 21 6:00pm, Saturday May 28 3:30pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Indigenous theatre performance by Celeste Chiricahua Nde’ directed by Rudradeep Chakrabarti.

David Kleinberg (USA), Hey, Hey, LBJ!

Southside Theater, Friday May 27 7:00pm, Saturday May 28 9:00pm, Sunday May 29 2:00pm, Friday June 3 9:30pm, Saturday June 4 6:30pm, Sunday June 5 4:00pm.

Duration 70 minutes, no intermission.

Hey, Hey, LBJ! is a riveting solo performance that charts David Kleinberg‘s year as an army combat correspondent in Vietnam, a powerful work on the most divisive foreign war in American history. Acclaimed by The Washington Post, ex-Rolling Stone senior writer (“must see!”). The performances at the Festival follow a sell-out run at San Francisco’s Marsh Theater.

SFIAF 2016 – Kate Perry

Kate Perry (Northern Ireland), Shh! It’s the Very Perry Show

Thursday May 26 8:30pm, Friday May 27 9:30pm, Saturday May 28 6:00pm, Sunday May 29 5:30pm, Friday June 3 7:00pm, Saturday June 4 9:00pm, Sunday June 5 2:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission.

Called a “major talent” at The 2015 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Kate Perry presents a happy hour of acutely observed and quirky monologues reflecting her unique view on life. She portrays a wonderful array of characters ranging from five to seventy years old. Whether it’s Mary Peachy- Bender, an Amish woman with shoofly pie envy, Jimmy the digital vigilante man with a van or Carmel, a celebrity obsessed old age pensioner. Each is portrayed with chameleon like skill, humour and charm. It’s going to be a Very Perry Experience!

SFIAF 2016 – Pan Pan Theatre

Pan Pan Theatre (Republic of Ireland), The Seagull and Other Birds

Cowell Theater, Friday May 27 7:00pm, Saturday May 28 8:00pm, Sunday May 29 3:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 85 minutes, no intermission

The Seagull and Other Birds is a roller coaster reimagining of Anton Chekhov‘s much-loved comic masterpiece. The performance centres around a concise new version of The Seagull integrated with a number of works specially commissioned by the Republic of Ireland‘s premiere theatre company. Through the wormhole of the new work, Chekhov’s characters find themselves in extraordinarily different contexts: classic plays, TV shows and stuff they’ve just made up. The result is playful and uncompromising; expect lots of talk about art, some action and tons of love.

Inferno Theatre (USA), Quantum Desire

Firehouse Friday May 27 7:00pm, Saturday May 28 8:00pm, Sunday May 29 7:00pm, Thursday June 2 8:00pm, Saturday June 4 6:00pm, Sunday June 5 2:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration, 70 minutes, no intermission.

“Desire, my love, what is it you long for?” Desire: a thought at the edge of memory between the pull of gravity and accelerating neurons. Desire begins in our bodies and ripples out into space. Rapture consumes lovers at first sight, entangling relationships. Couples linger, trading perspectives in contested new territories of science and quantum theory. The second installment of Inferno Theatre’s investigation of Quantum Theory as it applies to the human emotion of love.

Eliana Lopez & 3 Lopez Productions (USA), What is the Scandal?

Chapel Sunday May 29 2:00pm, Saturday June 4 4:00pm, Sunday June 5 6:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 70 minutes, no intermission.

What is the scandal? is an autobiographical story that explores what it means to be an immigrant woman of color in the United States of America. Immigrants face not only the outside challenges of the legal system but also the internal challenge of adaptation and integration. What is the Scandal is a reflection of self-transformation and a journey of human growth.

Touretteshero (England), Backstage in Biscuit Land

Southside Theater Thursday June 2 8:30pm, Saturday June 4 4:00pm, Sunday June 5 7:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration 60 minutes, no intermission

Audience Notification: All performances are Relaxed*

Jess Thom has Tourette’s syndrome, a condition that makes her say ‘biscuit’ 16,000 times a day. Her unusual neurology gives her a unique perspective on life; one she’s about to share with the world. Accompanied by her assistant Chopin, Jess weaves comedy, puppetry, singing, and incredible tics to explore spontaneity, creativity, disability, and things you never knew could make you laugh. Touretteshero celebrates the humour & creativity of Tourettes. It’s not about mocking or commiserating – it’s about reclaiming the most frequently misunderstood syndrome on the planet and…...Changing the World One Tic at a Time.

Hassan El Jai (USA), The Forty Rules of Love

Chapel Saturday June 4, 9:00pm, Sunday June 5, 8:00pm. Tickets: general admission $20 advance, $25 door.

Duration: 80 minutes, no intermission.

Halfway between artistic experience and mystical adventure, Hassan El Jaï brings to life his very personal adaptation of the worldwide best selling novel The Forty Rules of Love, written by Elif Shafak in 2009. This dramatic reading narrates the journey of Shams of Tabriz – the wandering dervish, and many colourful characters this Sufi mystic meets on his way to Konya. The audience in invited to walk a spiritual path, on which love shall reveal itself as both the ultimate reason and goal.

San Francisco International Arts Festival 2016 Visual Arts Program

Dada Here and Now

Gallery 308 and Cowell Theater Lobby, May 19 – June 5

Artist Reception Thursday May 26, 7:00pm Featuring work by Paul Cartier, Antonio Cortez, Tom Dunn, Danielle Freakley, Anna Geyer, Katya Grokhovsky, John Held, Carl Heyward + Global Art Project [GAP]: Mario Catalona, John Crabtree, Vered Gersztenkorn, Violet Skipp Haffner, Jenny Hynes, Annie Lindberg, Massimo Nota, Laura Oh, Glen Rogers Alvaro Sanchez, Ron Shelton, Akiko Suzuki, Ron Weijers, Heather Wilcoxon, Masani Landfair Wisewaters, Janet Jones, Jonathon Keats, Naomie Kremer, Kadet Kuhne , Gil Kuno, Jon Kuzmich, Mary Corey March, Douglas McCulloh, Patrick Rees, Michael Vale and Rachel Znerold. Curators: Hanna Regev / inSPACE Curatorial and Matt McKinley / McKinley Art Solutions.

Honoring the centennial of the birth of Dada, this exhibition offers contemporary responses by local, national and international artists to enduring questions first posited by their Dada predecessors. In 1916 a group of pacifist artists from across Europe, reacting to the political unrest of that time, convened in Zurich and proceeded to jolt the art world through a multi-disciplinary questioning of established norms and academic traditions. Firmly embracing both the newest technology of the day and the element of chance in the creative process the movement included visual arts, literature, poetry, art manifestos, theory, theater and graphic design all underscored by anti-war politics. Building upon this conceptual groundwork, the visual and performance artists participating the 2016 SF International Arts Festival blend chance, technology, collaboration and audience interaction to add to the legacy and influence of Dada.

The San Francisco International Arts Festival is supported in part by grants from: Bernard Osher Foundation, British Council, California Arts Council, California Endowment, Christensen Fund, Cultures Ireland, Mid-Atlantic Arts Foundation, National Endowment for the Arts, Pro-Helvetica, Saison Foundation, San Francisco Arts Commission, Taiwan Ministry of Culture, Trust for Mutual Understanding, Western Arts Federation and the generous donations of many individuals. The organizers would also like to thank San Francisco City Council Supervisors Eric Mar and Mark Farrell for their support of the Festival.

The Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture (FMCAC) is a nonprofit operating within a Historic Landmark District along the northern waterfront of the San Francisco Bay. Part of the Golden Gate National Recreation Area, FMCAC hosts an ever-evolving rotation of artistic programming for over 1.2 million annual visitors that includes theater and dance performances, art installations, as well as educational and cultural classes. As part of Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture’s commitment to supporting San Francisco’s artistic community, FMCAC provides approximately $2.5 million in annual grants to local arts organizations. These grants allow groups to produce diverse and innovative works at the historic campus.

In addition to the thousands of events that occur each year on campus, FMCAC hosts nearly two dozen nonprofit and arts organizations as permanent residents. These residents receive annual support from FMCAC, allowing them to focus on producing original artistic programming. Current residents include the Pulitzer Prize-winning Magic Theatre, City College’s Fort Mason Art Campus, BATS Improv, the SFMOMA Artists Gallery and the internationally acclaimed Greens Restaurant.

A pioneer in the reuse of military bases, Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture has been honored by the California Preservation Foundation for its efforts preserving the historic U.S. Army San Francisco Port of Embarkation.

With more than 15 million annual visitors, the Golden Gate National Recreation Area is the most visited National Park in the United States. Established in 1972, the Park includes Alcatraz, Muir Woods and the Marin Headlands, in addition to Fort Mason Center for Arts & Culture.

The Brand’s Appearance Will Mark the Start of a Groundbreaking Partnership Between Lane Bryant and Sports Illustrated

In a bold move, Lane Bryant, the nation’s billion dollar 750+ store retailer specializing in fashion for women sizes 14 to 28, is launching their national advertising campaign, This Body. The spirited campaign, fueled by her voice is aimed at their current customer, women who love the skin they’re in and are confident with the bodies they have. The provocative This Body campaign centers around a series of photographs shot by famed photographer Cass Bird. Starring top industry models Ashley Graham, Precious Lee, Tara Lynn, Denise Bidot, and Georgia Pratt, the campaign images embrace the angles and curves of today’s modern woman and challenges the idea that sexy comes in one small form. The campaign will roll out across Lane Bryant’s stores and social media channels, as well as on billboards, television, and in magazines.

Linda Heasley, Lane Bryant CEO and President had this to say, “We want to shift conventional perception and we’ve only just begun with This Body. Lane Bryant will continue to be her platform for celebrating her as she is. She is beautiful, she is strong. The world is ready for more curves and we are leading the charge.“

“We see the same stereotype of the plus size woman in the media: she is unhappy, projecting sort of a low self-esteem, not well dressed, and seemingly spends her nights at home dreaming of another life. This Body aims to celebrate who she really is. She craves the latest fashion trends. She’s the buyer of coveted brands. She should be in the pages of today’s fashion magazines and she’s the next broadway star. She’s competing in the boxing ring. She is the voice of women everywhere,” said Brian Beitler, Lane Bryant CMO.

Lane Bryant has also been named an Official Marketing Partner of the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Edition 2016, and will make its first-ever appearance in the issue by debuting the This Body campaign.

The opportunity for Lane Bryant, as a women’s retailer, to partner with Sports Illustrated is an industry-first, and celebrates both the brand and the franchise’s message of body empowerment and inclusivity in the media and in the world. The announcement follows this week’s news that model Ashley Graham will make her editorial debut in SI Swimsuit. Graham is a renowned advocate for body positivity and healthy curves. Miss Graham is one of the three cover models—yes, three– a first for the annual Sports Illustrated Swimsuit Issue.

Ashley Graham–Photo Credit: James Macari/Sports Illustrated (PRNewsFoto/Sports Illustrated)

A cornerstone of the campaign will be a This Body image of model Precious Lee shot by famed photographer Cass Bird which will grace the beginning pages of SI’s 2016 Swimsuit Edition.

The message of This Body is clear: Lane Bryant is calling for ALL women to embrace what makes HER feel most beautiful – every curve, every roll, every inch. The campaign serves as celebration of the women who say “watch me” to those who doubt her and what her body can do.

“We’re thrilled that Sports Illustrated has embraced the message of body positivity and inclusivity that is the mantra of our This Body campaign,” said Lane Bryant CEO and President Linda Heasley. “Not only will our brand have major visibility among some of the top consumer brands in retail, our beautiful campaign models will be seen in the pages of the magazine right alongside the Sports Illustrated Swimsuit models, showing yet again that sexy isn’t limited to size or shape.”

“Lane Bryant is breaking boundaries and leading the important conversation about today’s definition of sexy. Having them on –board as Official Marketing Partner for SI Swimsuit is a no-brainer,” said Damian Slattery, Sports Illustrated Group CMO. “Their campaign and models are a natural complement to the ideals of SI Swimsuit.”

The brand’s appearance in the issue will mark the start of a comprehensive print and digital partnership with the magazine. Not only will Lane Bryant’s newest campaign be seen amongst the pages of Sports Illustrated’s Swimsuit Edition 2016, the brand will also be highlighted with a strong digital presence on www.SI.com/Swimsuit and at two Fan Festivals celebrating the 2016 launch in New York City and Miami.

For more information on Lane Bryant, please visit www.lanebryant.com.

Gallery FIT, March 1 – April 2, 2016

The Fashion Institute of Technology’s School of Graduate Studies, together with The Museum at FIT, present The Women of Harper’s Bazaar, 1936-1958, an exhibition that explores the dynamic collaboration among Harper’s Bazaar Editor-in-Chief Carmel Snow, Fashion Editor Diana Vreeland, and photographer Louise Dahl-Wolfe. For twenty-two years, this visionary trio transformed Harper’s Bazaar into the definitive American fashion magazine, with a point of view that was simultaneously fresh and sophisticated, intelligent and playful—what Snow memorably described as a publication for “welldressed women with well-dressed minds.”

Model Bijou Barrington on location in Arizona. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, January 1942. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

This will mark the first time this important collaboration has been examined in an exhibition, and it anticipates Harper’s Bazaar’s 150th anniversary in 2017.

The Women of Harper’s Bazaar, 1936-1958 is the first exhibition to focus on the interaction between these three individuals, highlighting collaboration as an essential component of the creative process. With their brilliant colors, arresting compositions, and faraway locales, the Louise Dahl-Wolfe photographs that comprise the heart of the exhibition convey an idea of fashion as a conduit to a more vivid existence.

Model Betty Bridges in Tijuca, Brazil wearing a Claire McCardell swimsuit. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, May 1946. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

Claire McCardell, swimsuit, 1946. Bathing suit in heathered grey wool jersey; high boat neck, long torso with fitted waist, “diaper” bottoms with high cut leg; LS metal zipper. Collection of The Museum at FIT. © The Museum at FIT.

Vreeland, Dahl-Wolfe, and Snow reinvigorated Harper’s Bazaar by combining their individual talents: Diana Vreeland’s imaginative, resourceful approach to her work, Louise Dahl-Wolfe’s ability to create photographic masterpieces in natural settings, and the forward-thinking attitude and creativity behind Carmel Snow’s “genius for picking other people of genius.”

Model wearing the Mystère coat by Christian Dior in Paris at Malmaison. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, November 1947. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

Christian Dior New York, coat, 1954. Black wool herringbone calf-length princess coat; V-neck vest front with shawl collar; front inverted pleats; stiffened underlining at hip Dress, sea green changeant silk, stylized shirtwaist, matching belt. Collection of The Museum at FIT. © The Museum at FIT.

The Women of Harper’s Bazaar, 1936–1958 focuses on a pivotal time in the history of Harper’s Bazaar magazine. Drawing from The Museum at FIT’s extensive collection of Louise Dahl-Wolfe’s color photographs—donated by the photographer herself—the exhibition highlights original photographs shown alongside nine garments by Christian Dior, Charles James, Mainbocher, Claire McCardell, and Carolyn Schnurer that exemplify the vast array of captivating styles featured in Harper’s Bazaar.

The exhibition opens with an embroidered, elephant-motif top by American designer Carolyn Schnurer. This piece epitomizes the designer’s whimsical sportswear, perfectly suited to an American woman’s lifestyle during the era. It is paired with a photograph of the same garment in an inverted color scheme that was featured in the December 1952 issue of Harper’s Bazaar.

The exhibition continues with sections dedicated to each of the three women, showcasing their individual contributions. Snow had a forward-thinking attitude, Vreeland took an imaginative approach to fashion styling, and Dahl-Wolfe explored advancements in color photography and pioneered on-location shooting in destinations such as Egypt and São Paulo. Their talents combined to make Harper’s Bazaar a definitive fashion magazine of the time.

Model Jean Patchett in Alhambra, Granada Spain wearing a Givenchy ensemble. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, June 1953. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

The impact of the women’s collaborative process is demonstrated through a series of photographs and documents. On display are personal letters between Snow and model Mary Jane Russell describing a memorable fashion editorial from the Paris collections of 1951. Behind-the-scenes photographs and outtakes document the famous 1942 Arizona desert photo shoot at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pauson house—styled by Vreeland—during which she stepped in front of the camera after model Bijou Barrington fell ill from heat stroke.

Model Betty Threat in a Charles James evening dress. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, April 1947. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

Video footage from the documentaries Louise Dahl-Wolfe: Painting with Light and Diana Vreeland: The Eye Has to Travel offer a glimpse into each woman’s personality. Copper-plates and the resulting color proofs reveal the steps of Louise Dahl-Wolfe’s working process. Additionally, four large scale reproductions of Dahl-Wolfe photographs featured in the magazine will be paired with related garments that mimic the fashion seen in the images.

• A gray wool jersey swimsuit by Claire McCardell in the designer’s signature style is shown with a photo of a similar design from the May 1946 issue of the magazine.
• A 1948 Mainbocher gray wool suit with exquisite scrollwork is paired with a photograph in which the model wears a pith helmet and holds an hourglass, exemplifying what the magazine called “the covert look.”
• A 1954 Christian Dior black coat is used to simulate Dior’s famous Mystère coat from his groundbreaking 1947 collection, as it appeared in a Dahl-Wolfe photograph. The similarities between the two garments highlight the lasting impact of the collection that Snow christened “A New Look.”
• An evening gown by designer Charles James is juxtaposed with a Louise Dahl-Wolfe photograph that mimics the structural silhouettes of American evening wear represented in the magazine.

  Diana Vreeland modeling at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Pauson house in Arizona. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, January 1942. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

  Model Jean Patchett in a Carolyn Schnurer top. Photography by Louise Dahl-Wolfe, color proof, featured in Harper’s Bazaar, December 1952. Collection of The Museum at FIT, © 1989 Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents.

Biographical sections will emphasize the three women’s backgrounds, providing context for their successful alliance and highlighting their unique contributions to the magazine’s legacy. The Women of Harper’s Bazaar, 1936-1958 celebrates a particularly synergistic creative collaboration within the magazine and brings to life a transformative era in women’s fashion.

The Museum at FIT is part of the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT), a State University of New York (SUNY) college of art, design, business, and technology. FIT offers career education in nearly 50 areas, and grants associate, bachelor’s, and master’s degrees. FIT provides students a complete college experience at an affordable cost, a vibrant campus life in New York City, and industry-relevant preparation for rewarding careers. Visit www.fitnyc.edu.

The School of Graduate Studies provides advanced professional education in seven distinctive areas, promoting excellence in the post-baccalaureate study of fashion, business, art, and design. The school offers programs leading to the MA, MFA, and MPS degrees, and is dedicated to advancing research in the creative industries and fostering innovative collaborations that link students and faculty with industry and professional partners worldwide.

The Museum at FIT (MFIT) is the only museum in New York City dedicated solely to the art of fashion. Best known for its innovative and award-winning exhibitions, the museum has a permanent collection of more than 50,000 garments and accessories dating from the eighteenth century to the present. Like other specialized fashion museums, it collects, conserves, documents, exhibits, and interprets fashion. MFIT is a member of the American Alliance of Museums. Its mission is to advance knowledge of fashion through exhibitions, publications, and public programs. For more information about The Museum at FIT, please visit www.fitnyc.edu/museum.

Museum Hours and Admission Museum hours: Tuesday–Friday, noon–8 pm; Saturday, 10 am–5 pm. Closed Sunday, Monday, and legal holidays. Admission is free.

Barneys New York, the luxury specialty retailer, announced the completion of its new downtown flagship. The opening, earler this week, in Chelsea on 7th Avenue between 16th Street and 17th Street marks the return of the store to the same block that the company was founded on in 1923, and where it maintained an iconic presence through the late 1990’s.  The store will occupy almost an entire city block giving a new presence to the 7th Avenue streetscape, and offering a unique and timeless luxury shopping experience for downtown customers.

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Ground Floor. Photograph by Scott Frances

Designed by award-winning New York-based architectural firm Steven Harris Architects, the new 55,000 square foot flagship, spanning five floors, will include men’s and women’s RTW, footwear, accessories, cosmetics, a Blind Barber barbershop, and a Freds restaurant, with a luxurious and modern aesthetic consistent with the Barneys New York brand.

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Staircase. Photograph by Scott Frances

While Barneys New York returns to its original roots, the architecture, technology, services and overall experience reflect the ever-evolving modern store it has become today.  State of the art technology and mobile applications enhance the selling experience; beauty and shopping services will cater to those who value time as a luxury; and the restaurant is a nod to Freds on Madison Avenue, but with a menu all its own that emphasizes drinks and small plates.  The Downtown flagship will carry the curated and discerning edit of merchandise for which Barneys New York is known, and will reflect a neighborhood luxury shopping experience.  Top designers such as Dries Van Noten, Givenchy, and Saint Laurent will be available, as well as XO “Exclusively Ours” brands such as Baraboux handbags, and fragrances from Douglas Little.  The Downtown flagship will also launch exclusive capsule collections from Valentino, Alexander Wang, Elder Statesman, and Sidney Garber, among others.  

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City Pictured: Dandy Wellington, Thelma Washington, and Evetta Petty with Ajak Deng. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

“The opening of our new Downtown flagship is a unique homecoming for Barneys New York,” said Barneys New York CEO Mark Lee. “Born as a single brick and mortar location over 90 years ago, Barneys New York returns to the same New York City block as a modern 21st century retail force that will offer the downtown customer a unique and unprecedented customer experience.”

The thriving Madison Avenue flagship will maintain its presence as the largest Barneys New York store and, coupled with the smaller neighborhood stores in Brooklyn and the Upper West Side, further pays homage to the deep-routed relationship between Barneys and New York City.  To celebrate this longstanding bond, Barneys’ Spring 2016 campaign entitled “Our Town,” shot by Bruce Weber, aims to honor the way that New York City continues to inspire the brand as a whole. 

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City REGULATION YOHJI YAMAMOTO Crêpe De Chine Jacket / REGULATION YOHJI YAMAMOTO Twill “Boxer” Shorts Pictured: Female construction workers Priscilla Gibson and Shantar Gibson with Ajak Deng. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

The campaign features both portraits and short films highlighting iconic New Yorkers spanning from notable faces such as Bobby Cannavale, Cyndi Lauper, Lady Gaga, Yoko Ono, and Patti Smith, to local characters like iconic Italian restaurant Rao’s owner, Frank Pellegrino, and nightlife icon Ladyfag.  The images and films of “Our Town” depict New York through Weber’s eyes, and find the humanity, individuality, and soul of each eccentric character and location, truly showcasing the diversity and beauty of the city. 

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City Pictured: the Angulo brothers from The Wolfpack, from left: Makunda, Eddie, Bhavagan, and Narayana. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/ 

FLAGSHIP DESIGN
The Barneys New York team collaborated with award-winning New York-based architectural firm Steven Harris Architects on the Downtown flagship store, a continuation of the partnership with that began in early 2012 with renovations at the Madison Avenue and Beverly Hills locations.  Under the direction of founding architect Steven Harris and designer Lucien Rees Roberts, the Barneys New York flagships serve as a unique example of retail design for the residential visionaries.  Lalire March Architects serve as the Executive Architect on the project.  

“The store is completely unique compared to any other store downtown.  It is subtle but inordinately luxurious,”said Steven Harris.  “We wanted to create a calm and tranquil environment with a neutral, but richly varied color palate that truly highlights the merchandise.”

The exterior of the Downtown flagship store is defined by the 170 foot stainless steel marquee running along the 7th Avenue façade and wrapping the corner of 16th Street.  The striking store front provides ample space for Barneys’ world-renowned window displays, with two feature windows on 7th Avenue, and three additional windows providing views into the store. 

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Staircase. Photograph by Scott Frances

A central atrium with an exquisite spiral staircase provides views of the adjoining floors and encourages shoppers to discover the space.  The vast sculptural stair connects the lower Foundation level to the third floor, and serves as an ode to the store design of the original Barneys.  The atrium features glass with a custom abstract design of mirrored vertical, horizontal and diagonal lines inspired by Agnes Martin and Fred Sandback.

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Mens Third Floor. Photograph by Scott Frances

The new flagship’s ground level will highlight men’s and women’s leather goods and accessories, as well as women’s fine jewelry.  A volume of black nero marble, carefully placed between the exterior and interior, marks the entry and becomes a dramatic display wall for jewelry.  Mirror polished stainless steel clad columns, evocative of John McCracken‘s work, further open up the space, while hand rubbed brass accents add a level of warmth.  Biomorphic shaped tables made from granite and marble display a curated selection of leather goods and accessories. 

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Womens Second Floor. Photograph by Scott Frances

The Foundation level, housed one level below the ground level, will feature cosmetics, skincare, fragrances, and men’s grooming.  In staying consistent with Madison and Beverly Hills, the Downtown flagship shares similar aesthetic elements, defined by sculptural white textured walls designed with an abstract motif, white terrazzo flooring, and custom-designed cosmetic stools with polished stainless steel frames and cognac leather seats.  Barneys partnered with barbershop and lifestyle brand Blind Barber to create a dedicated alcove space for men’s treatments such as shaves and haircuts, featuring the barber’s signature offerings as well as some elevated treatments that are exclusive to its Barneys outpost.  The Blind Barber area will also serve beer and cocktails to bring a sense of camaraderie back to the barbershop. 

Barneys New York Downtown Flagship – Womens Shoes Second Floor. Photograph by Scott Frances

On the second floor, women’s shoes and ready-to-wear will be featured.  Shoes will be displayed against a rich backdrop of floor to ceiling marble.  Lush upholstery fabrics such as mohair and velvet, paired with sculptural brass tables, provide customers with a luxurious and residential-like feel.

Men’s footwear and ready-to-wear can be found on the third floor, which is designed using darker earth tones such as moss, slate blue and camel.  Sportswear, men’s furnishings, and accessories are illuminated by natural light for a modernized feel.  Personal shopping suites will be on the fourth floor for a more private experience.

FREDS

Fred’s at the new Barneys New York Downtown Flagship Store. Photograph by Scott Frances

In conjunction with the Downtown store opening, the iconic Freds at Barneys New York will also open its first ever downtown location on the third floor of Barneys.  Traditionally known as a power lunch destination, Freds at the Downtown flagship will also boast a menu of light bites and cocktails.  Executive Chef Mark Strausman is overseeing the modern Italian menu, taking inspiration from the Freds outposts in Madison, Beverly Hills, and Chicago, but updating it with exclusive dishes to serve the downtown audience. 

A 36 foot site-specific mural by Los Angeles-based painter Conor Thompson serves as a unique design focal point in the restaurant.  In the vibrant panoramic oil painting, Thompson merges figurative and abstract elements into motifs of the dinner table and painter’s palette.  Upon entry, there is a 30 foot onyx marble bar and a custom faceted mirror on one side, with lounge seating on the opposite side.  A more formal dining area can be found around the corner from the bar into the L-shaped restaurant.  The décor, similar to Freds inBeverly Hills, will feature marble tables, terrazzo floors, and rosewood paneling.  Uniforms for the restaurant service staff have been exclusively designed by New York based designer and founder of ATM, Anthony Thomas Melillo.

DIGITAL INNOVATION & CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE 
To further elevate the shopping experience in the Downtown flagship, Barneys is using state-of-the-art technology to integrate digital aspects into the brick and mortar store.  Barneys is the first luxury retailer to launch iBeacon technology as a way to share rich multimedia content like videos, look books and designer interviews to inform and entertain the customer.  Beacons throughout the store have the ability to deliver to a customer’s mobile device to send personalized recommendations of content from The Window, Barneys’ luxury editorial site, to users who choose to opt-in for this experience.  The use of iBeacon technology creates a seamless and efficient shopping experience for the knowledgeable Barneys customer. 

Barneys also built a custom clienteleing system, which uses customer-centric personalization that connects online and offline behaviors and preferences so that sales associates may better serve their clients.  The clienteleing app is available on associates’ iPads, which are also used as mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) devices with Apple Pay, the easy, secure and private way to pay with iPhone or Apple Watch.  With this new feature, Barneys will be able to enhance the customer experience through highly-informed associates, better background information on brands and products of interest to each individual consumer, and ease of purchasing. 

“The customer experience in this store runs parallel in importance to the design, product and historic location,”said Barneys New York COO, Daniella Vitale. “We want the customer to feel as though anything is possible when they walk into the store.  With the seamless integration of technology, our incredible staff, and a deep appreciation of our customer, we really do feel that everything is possible.”

In recent years Barneys has placed an increased focus on the digital experience.  The recent redesign of its digital platforms – barneys.com, and thewindow.barneys.com – further demonstrate the brand’s position as the first luxury retailer to use responsive design, content, and consumer insights to bring a more personalized and editorially-driven experience to customers.  As another method of optimizing custom service, same day delivery is now available in Manhattan and select areas of Brooklyn. 

CHARITABLE PARTNERSHIP
To further pay homage to the history of its original location, Barneys is taking inspiration from its iconic 1986 “Denim Jacket” event and updating it with a modern twist through a unique online charity auction with Christie’s auction house this March.  “The Black Leather Jacket” will benefit two iconic New York nonprofit institutions: The Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual & Transgender (LGBT) Center, and art-space White Columns.  In 1986 Barneys partnered with prominent designers and artists including Keith Haring, Jean Michel Basquiat, Andy Warhol and Yves Saint Laurent to put their spin on a deconstructed denim jacket to be auctioned off for an AIDS charity at an event with Madonna, Debbie Harry, Iman and more. 

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City. Pictured: Maya Taylor at the LGBT Center (left), Lady Fag (right) with Ajak Deng (center) http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

For a modernized spin on the denim jackets, Barneys is partnering with top artists and designers to create one of a kind leather motorcycle jackets that will be available for browsing and bidding at www.Christies.com/TheBlackLeatherJacket starting March 1st through March 22.  Jackets from designers Joseph Altuzarra, Alexander Wang, Isabel Marant, Dries Van Noten, Tim Coppens, Givenchy by Riccardo Tisci,Azzedine Alaia, and artists Helmut Lang, Ella Kruglyanskaya, Dan Colen, Anicka Yi, Borna Sammak, Glenn Ligon, Kim Gordon, Lisa Yuskavage, Marilyn Minter, Nate Lowman, Rob Pruitt, Sterling Ruby, Susan Cianciolo, and Ugo Rondinone, will all be auctioned with Christie’s New York, with proceeds benefiting White Columns and The Center.

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

Similar to Barneys, White Columns is known for fostering young undiscovered talent and providing them with a space to flourish.  Matthew Higgs, director of White Columns, has a discerning eye for discovering fresh and unconventional artists and giving them an opportunity to showcase their work. 

Barneys Spring 2016 Campaign “Our Town” By Bruce Weber Celebrates New York City Pictured: Club kid Hector Perez. http://thewindow.barneys.com/bruce-weber-our-town-spring-16/

The Center is a local community center that empowers LGBT people to lead healthy and successful lives through a variety of wellness programs, cultural events, and supportive services.  Barneys New York has a longstanding partnership with The Center, and has supported the organization through past projects including the Spring 2014 campaign, “Brothers, Sisters, Sons, and Daughters,” shot by Bruce Weber that featured 17 transgender men and women.  The LGBT Center is also prominently featured in the Spring 2016 “Our Town” campaign, with “Tangerine” star Mya Taylor and nightlife icon Ladyfag shot alongside young members of the community center. 

Weber first fell in love with New York as an NYU film student. “Life in the city was so freewheeling then,” says the iconic photographer. “As I now took photographs and films of my beloved city [for this campaign], I could still feel its embrace, and a tear ran down my cheek for a love once lost and again found.” In “Our Town,” he captured iconic destinations like Katz’s Delicatessen and The Carlyle Hotel and brought them to life with a mix of local New York personalities including Lady Gaga; Yoko On; Bobby Cannavale; the New York Fire Department’s first female battalion chief, Rocky Jones; four of the six Angulo brothers from the acclaimed documentary The Wolfpack; and so many more.
Barneys New York (Barneys) is a luxury specialty retailer renowned for having the most discerning edit from the world’s top designers, including women’s and men’s ready-to-wear, accessories, shoes, jewelry, cosmetics, fragrances, and gifts for the home. Barneys’ signature sense of wit and style is manifested in its creative advertising campaigns, original holiday themes, and celebrated window displays. Founded as a men’s retailer in 1923 in downtown Manhattan, it became an international arbiter of high style for both women and men in the 1970s, renowned for discovering and developing new and innovative design talent. Today, Barneys New York operates flagship stores uptown on Madison Avenue and downtown in Chelsea in New York City, as well as additional flagships in Beverly Hills, Chicago, Seattle, Boston, San Francisco, and Las Vegas, along with a preeminent luxury online store, www.Barneys.com, as well as 18 other stores and outlets across the United States.

For more information about Barneys New York, please visit www.Barneys.com and explore its luxury content site, The Window, for an insider’s look into the Barneys world: a behind-the-scenes visit with exciting designers, fashion, events, and the Barneys team.

This spring, Americana Manhasset debuts its full color 64-page Fashion Book and corresponding short film, “Hawaii 6-Oh!” Spring ready-to-wear, accessories and jewelry from the most luxurious brands in the world are captured in a high-style picture book starring top runway and editorial models Lindsey Wixson and Sean O’Pry.

Americana Manhasset, situated on Long Island’s Gold Coast, about 30 minutes from Manhattan, is a high-end, open-air “premier shopping destination”* located in Manhasset, New York. It is the largest and most well known high-end retail center in the Long Island Gold Coast vicinity along a stretch of Northern Boulevard commonly referred to as the Miracle Mile of Manhasset. With its limestone shopfronts, granite sidewalks and colorful flower beds, Americana ManHasset‘s 60 shops sell the priciest status brands and some customers have been known to spend more than $100,000 a year and five times that if they’re planning a wedding or buying fine jewelry.

MIU MIU AND OLIVER PEOPLES AT ILORI OPTICAL

Gucci

2016 marks the 60th Anniversary of Americana Manhasset and the Spring campaign launches a year-long anniversary celebration. Hawaii has always been a perfect destination for celebrating important milestones. In fact, Americana owners Frank & Rita Castagna celebrated their honeymoon 60 years ago in Hawaii, providing inspiration for this season.

BOSS

BOTTEGA VENETA

Photographed, produced and styled by Laspata/DeCaro, the campaign was shot in various locations in and around Oahu’s famed North Shore. The pristine beaches and lush, dramatic mountains provide the backdrop to Lindsey and Sean’s fashion-filled getaway, with Sean calling to mind a modern version of a young Elvis in Blue Hawaii. Authentic hula girls and flame throwers are featured, and a full-blown luau was created for the cover image. The campaign is festive and young, with a definitively tropical vibe.

Dior

Americana’s Spring Book is direct-mailed to 130,000 targeted households. The images are being featured in national and regional print ads in publications such as The New York Times, T-Style magazine; WSJ: The Wall Street Journal magazine and The World Journal newspaper, as well as in various digital media such as www.nytimes.com. For the first time, the campaign will be featured on the outside of the Hampton Jitney with a total bus wrap. The campaign is also being shown prominently throughout the season on Americana’s website, www.americanamanhasset.com and featured on Americana social media outlets.