In 2017, a team of educators and community organizers met to establish the Keene International Festival, a free multi-generational, family-friendly event that showcases and celebrates the rich cultural diversity of the local community by engaging members in activities and connecting people. The first event, held in 2018, drew more than 500 people from around southwest New Hampshire and beyond. The following year, the City of Keene's Human Rights Committee became a partner of the event. Approximately 1,200 people attended. The pandemic led to the cancellation of the 2020 festival, but in 2021 it was back in full force at the Keene Recreation Center.

We spoke with festival committee co-chair, Elizabeth Nieuwsma-Dell about the history of the event in this month’s arts spotlight. We’re proud to share their story.

Located at 48 Emerald St. in Keene, Nova Arts Block is a creative and collaborative arts and business space that contains Nova Stage, a place where emerging artists perform, underrepresented voices are heard, and unexpected juxtapositions happen. It shares a location with Brewbakers. A rotating open stage night allows for different hosts and genres – including music, theater, poetry and comedy The Nova Arts vision not only encompasses the performing arts - interactive group events such as craft night, a drop-in writing salon, and after-school art classes are also offered in the space. This is made possible with fiscal sponsorship from Arts Alive!