The Carmel International Arts Festival brings more than 40,000 avid art enthusiasts. 130+ juried artists bring their art that includes materials such as wood, fiber and oil. Jewelry, ceramics, sculptures, pottery pieces along with 2D and 3D are also present at the festival. The Carmel International Arts Festival is unique because the artists are encouraged to use their background and cultural influences within the art being displayed.
Xiangyang, Hubei, China became Carmel’s sister city in 2012. The relationship has promoted various cultural and economic exchange opportunities. With the help of IU Health North and the Carmel-Xiangyang Sister City Committee, the city of Carmel hosted its first Chinese Moon Cake Festival in the Arts and Design District in 2012. Carmel will host its eighth Chinese Moon Cake Festival in August, 2020. This festival showcases Chinese performing arts, cultural dishes and a Dragon Parade. Visitors are encouraged to make their own Mooncakes and get their name written in Chinese!
In 2019, the district hired a local artist to do interactive mosaic art with the public. The artist set up her table, laid mosaic pieces out, and provided a "color- by- numbers" tutorial. Members of the public could place the mosaic tiles in the designated area on a board outlined with the required colors/sizes. All guests, no matter their age, could join in on this community enriching activity!
Once the picture was completed and glazed, the district began working with the Street Department along with Merchants along Main. The Street Department assisted with the hanging of the art and advised the district regarding lighting! The artwork now hangs in a breezeway located in the Arts and Design District.
