BUFFALO, N.Y. — After a successful inaugural celebration last year, the Old First Ward Arts and Heritage Festival will return to Buffalo. But before it begins, Old First Ward is calling on local artists and musicians to host workshops and classes at this years festival.
Applications to set up a workshop or class are open now until Monday, August 26. The second annual Old First Ward Arts and Heritage Festival will take place Saturday, September 28 from 11am to 10pm.
This years family-friendly festival will focus more on the workshop and classes, which are free to the public. Last year included a natural tie dye workshop where people got to leave with t-shirts and towels. There was also a DJ and B-girl playing music and teaching people dance moves.
"We're really encouraging artists to use what they're passionate about to create [workshops]," event organizer Sara Heidinger said. "Then patrons of the festival can come and they can make things and take stuff away."
Along with creating art, the festival will have live musicians performing on stage all day long. A number of local bands including Allison Pipitone, Kickstart Rumble, Beard and the Bird, Diyene’, and Grace Strumburg will be on the main stage, with several additional acts on the side stage.
"You spend the day immersed in music and art. I love just thinking about how art is for everyone," Heidinger said. "And you don't have to be super talented or you don't have to necessarily know how to do things to make art. The idea is it's a space to come and be creative and fun and just really have a good time."
The festival will take place behind the Old First Ward community center, along Republic Street. Because of the festival's location, there are many accessible ways for the community to show up. Heidinger said the festival is encouraging people to "boat, bike or bus" to the festival.
Buffalo Bike Tours will also be right around the corner, offering three history tours to "bring people into some of the heritage of the community."
The application will need a detailed plan for all expenses, time and supplies for each artists. Old First Ward may be able to provide up to $800 for workshop hosts.
Anyone interested can click the link here or visit the Old First Ward website here for more information.
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