Participation[edit]

All Harvard affiliates (undergraduates, graduate students, faculty, staff, and alumni/ae) may apply to perform and exhibit artwork during ARTS FIRST. Performing ensembles may include non-Harvard affiliates, as long as at least one performer is a Harvard affiliate.[2]



The festival involves up to 2,000 artists, giving over 100 performances and exhibitions.[3]


Volunteers are recruited to assist in running the festival. They are not required to be affiliated with Harvard University.[2]

Participant funding[edit]

Some funding is provided for selected Public Art projects in Harvard Yard. ARTS FIRST Performance Fair performances are directly given a free venue, publicity, and production support, instead of funding.[2]

Performances[edit]

The Performance Fair includes opera,[4] dance,[5] music of many genres,[6] stand-up and improv comedy, theater, poetry and experimental performances.

Public art[edit]

The festival includes exhibitions of public art in Harvard Yard and other locations around the campus. Works include sculpture, installations, or installations with performance/video components and film/video.[7]


Student projects that are selected for exhibition in Harvard Yard receive supporting guidance from a professional visual artist.[2]

2019 Festival Schedule