50 Years of Cultural Continuity
Celebrating World Arts West's past, present, and future, from 2026 to 2028
For fifty years, World Arts West has held space for cultural practices that live in bodies, communities, and lineages. Founded in the Bay Area and shaped by generations of artists, practitioners, and culture bearers, the organization has served as a container for traditions that are often marginalized, misunderstood, or at risk of erasure. As we approach our 50th anniversary in 2028, this moment is understood not simply as a commemoration but as a responsibility. Fifty years marks continuity: evidence that cultural knowledge has been carried forward, adapted, and sustained across time, migration, and change.
The anniversary unfolds across three years, each with its own theme.
2026: Legacy, Honoring Our Roots
A year dedicated to celebrating the history and impact of World Arts West and the cultural artists and dance companies that shaped our journey. We will highlight key moments from 1978 to 2026, honoring the communities whose traditions and artistry laid the foundation for this work.
2027: Empowerment, The New Era
This year focuses on the transformation of World Arts West through an equity-centered approach: evolving programs by centering artist voices, strengthening artist service programs, and continuing to document and share our stories so our cultures remain a vital part of the fabric of our communities.
2028: Belonging, Our Collective Future
Looking ahead, we will focus on strengthening the sense of belonging within the intergenerational World Arts West family, inviting past, present, and future stakeholders to imagine and shape the next chapter together.
What's Coming in 2026
The celebration begins this summer. The 2026 World Arts West Dance Festival carries the spirit of the anniversary, and the programming brings archival materials and community stories to new audiences. More programming will be announced throughout the year.
Get Involved
We are forming community planning committees and invite artists, cultural leaders, educators, presenters, and community members to participate. Committees will work across artistic programming, communications, fundraising, production, and strategy. Complete the interest form to let us know you would like to be part of the planning, or sign up below to receive anniversary updates as they are announced.
Sign up for anniversary updates via the mailing list here!
The anniversary unfolds across three years, each with its own theme.
2026: Legacy, Honoring Our Roots
A year dedicated to celebrating the history and impact of World Arts West and the cultural artists and dance companies that shaped our journey. We will highlight key moments from 1978 to 2026, honoring the communities whose traditions and artistry laid the foundation for this work.
2027: Empowerment, The New Era
This year focuses on the transformation of World Arts West through an equity-centered approach: evolving programs by centering artist voices, strengthening artist service programs, and continuing to document and share our stories so our cultures remain a vital part of the fabric of our communities.
2028: Belonging, Our Collective Future
Looking ahead, we will focus on strengthening the sense of belonging within the intergenerational World Arts West family, inviting past, present, and future stakeholders to imagine and shape the next chapter together.
What's Coming in 2026
The celebration begins this summer. The 2026 World Arts West Dance Festival carries the spirit of the anniversary, and the programming brings archival materials and community stories to new audiences. More programming will be announced throughout the year.
Get Involved
We are forming community planning committees and invite artists, cultural leaders, educators, presenters, and community members to participate. Committees will work across artistic programming, communications, fundraising, production, and strategy. Complete the interest form to let us know you would like to be part of the planning, or sign up below to receive anniversary updates as they are announced.
Sign up for anniversary updates via the mailing list here!