De Montfort University were in talks last week with a variety of high-profile artists to attend the Cultural Exchanges Festival.
In February 2015 the festival will showcase a range of performances, public discussions and workshops from renowned British artists. Students from DMU who are running the event have had positive responses from musicians and artists alike.
Arts and Festival Management Student at DMU, Charly Downes, said: “I am most excited about the possibility of getting musicians from past eras as they have been the most influential in music, and to have such well-renowned artists at such a small festival would be an honour.
“This is my third year with running the festival and it’s a privilege to do so. Not only is the event arranged solely by students, it provides opportunities for everyone to get involved and exhibit what Leicester has to offer creatively.”
The festival’s purpose is to give the people of Leicester a chance to view motivational speakers and acts that apply to each art form and showcase Leicester’s range of cultures. In previous years the festival has hosted the fashion designer Zandra Rhodes, youth broadcaster Jamal Edwards and British film director Ken Loach.
Ms Downes added: “Watching the artists tell their story is inspirational for all; it gives hope that there’s a place in the future for careers. Whilst at university, students can lose faith in what they aim to achieve in, this festival in particular has helped many become focused and helps find positioning in the industry of their choice.”
In addition to the 3000 participants, an average of 40 percent of the audience in previous years have been outside of university across 50 events, and is ranked by both The Guardian and The Independent as the ‘best of the rest’ top five UK festivals.
For more information visit DMU’s homepage: http://www.dmu.ac.uk/…/about-the-cultural-exchanges-festiva… or contact Tony Graves, Director of Cultural Exchanges 0116 250 6132.
Samantha Jagger
