A Celebration of Diversity and Inclusivity in the Coloradan Arts Scene

Free and Open to the Public

Proudly presents

the 1st edition of

The New American Arts Festival is a three-day event that celebrates Diversity and Inclusivity. This festival will bring together all genres of Art, Artists, and Audience to raise awareness of Colorado’s vibrant diversity.

- 30 performances between the Outdoor Fletcher Plaza and inside the Vintage Theatre
- Theatre, Dance, Puppetry, Magic show, Music, Spoken word,

Drag, Rap, etc
- A special performance by Yo-Yo Ma
- A keynote speech by Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman

- Debut plays by Roshni groups of refugee youth and women

- A special Audio-Tapestry presentation of community voices

by Jonny 5 of Flobots

- Poetrees, a visual installation by Lighthouse Writers Workshop
- Fun activities for the whole family

- A visual art exhibition at DAVA (only on Friday)

- A festival of flavors at our participating ethnic restaurants

Roshni's mandate is to work with those at the margins. Share stories with them, but more importantly, help them share their own stories.

LOCATION

PROGRAM

International Pavilion at Fletcher Plaza

Adjacent to the MLK Public Library

1468 Dayton St. Aurora 80010

1405 Florence St. Aurora 80010

TEAM

Deepali Lindblom

Festival Director

Deepali is a professional Dancer Actor Storyteller (deepali.ca) she is also the founder of ROSHNI and its Artistic Director.

Deepali has over 12 years of experience in initiating and executing artistic projects, including festivals in various countries. She is thrilled to be spearheading her first festival in the US. Being from the Himalayas (Darjeeling), she is thrilled to make her home in the Rockies.

In India, I didn’t dance. In Sweden, I decided to dance. In Canada, I reached the height of a professional dancer. But it was only in the US, I realized the power of dance to empower.

Alex Romberg

Outreach and Marketing, Graphic Designer

Alex has an MFA in Theatre Directing, from East 15 Acting School in London. Alex spent 2 years on the sound crew at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre. Alex has also worked/studied in Barcelona, Moscow, Bali, and Edinburgh. She is the founder of the Bewilderness Theatre Company (https://www.alex-rom.com).

When we stay enclosed in our bubbles, our ideas and solutions to local problems become less creative. However, when we give ourselves the chance to form new connections and be opened up to alternate perspectives, we can walk away feeling enriched."

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Julie Whalen

Senior Outreach

Julie founded Time4Tap, a senior dance group in Aurora. She also choreographs and performs for several senior groups including performing for the Denver Nuggets.

As a child, I shied away from dancing but in high school, I got the opportunity to choreograph and perform in West Side Story. Though it is one of my most cherished memories, I didn't start dancing again until I was 41 years and at 52, I started tap dancing and started Time4Tap. Through it, my goal is to help other seniors reawaken their buried aspirations and expressions through Art. I am delighted to be a part of NAAF and hopefully inspire other seniors.