2026 Festival Highlights & Competition Results

The Inaugural Washington International Arts Festival

On May 30, 2026, the inaugural Washington International Arts Festival (WIAF) successfully launched its pilot program, the Arts & Culture Showcase, at Bethesda-Chevy Chase High School in Bethesda, Maryland.

Held during Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, the Festival brought together young artists from across the DMV region through dance, music, speech, theater, and cultural performances, creating a platform for artistic excellence, cultural exchange, and youth leadership.

the inaugural Washington International Arts Festival (WIAF)

Festival Highlights

Government Recognition

  • Official Proclamation from the Governor of Maryland
  • Presented by Dr. Roxanne Yamashita, Vice Chair of the Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
  • Commissioner Alanna Lee attended the Awards Ceremony

International Recognition

  • Congratulatory Letter from Mr. Song Shiyou, Minister Counselor and Consul General of the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States
  • Official Support from Prof. Dr. Alkis Raftis, President of the International Dance Council (CID), UNESCO's Official Partner for Dance
Impact Snapshot

Participation Statistics

79
Competition Entries
181
Student Performers

Participants from Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, and beyond
500–600
Audience Members and Visitors
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Participating Organizations

Contestants are from more than 20 performing arts organizations across DMV area

Dance Organizations
‍
Hong Dance School
Legacy Performing Arts Company
Gina Ling Chinese Dance Chamber
RoseQi Dance Arts
Project X Dance Company
Baltimore Chinese School
Butterfly Dance Company
Centennial High School Spring Blossom Dance Club
Phoenix Academy of Dancing
Columbia Youth Ballet

Music Organizations
‍
Lihui Vocal Music Studio
Harmonia School of Music & Art
Christine Lee's Music Studio
Levine Music
Seasharp Music Studio
Washington Chamber Music Consort

Speech & Theater Organizations
‍
Impact Speaking Academy


Independent Participants
(Students from across Maryland, Virginia, and Washington DC participated through individual registration.)

Empowering Global Dialogue Through Arts, Culture and Education

COMPETITION RESULTS

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Judges & Adjudicators

Dance Division:
Susan Shields
Chair, Department of Dance George Mason University

Music Division:
Calvin Duane Evans
Professor of Composition, Corcoran School of the Arts & Design
George Washington University

Speech & Theater Division:
Alice Guo
Founder, Impact Speaking Academy

Sponsors & Partners

Government & Community Support:
‍
Governor's Commission on Asian Pacific American Affairs
Chinese Alumni Associations of Greater Washington (CAAGW) Youth Division
‍
International Support:
‍
UNESCO-International Dance Council (CID)
Embassy of the People's Republic of China in the United States
‍

Special Thanks

Hong Dance School
Impact Speaking Academy

for providing promotional, operational, staffing, and volunteer support for the inaugural Festival.

Closing Note

The Washington International Arts Festival extends its heartfelt congratulations to all participants, teachers, choreographers, instructors, families, volunteers, and partner organizations for their dedication, hard work, and artistic excellence. The success of the inaugural Festival would not have been possible without your trust, support, and commitment to arts education and cultural exchange!
We would also like to acknowledge that a small number of registered participants were unfortunately unable to attend the event due to illness or unforeseen circumstances. We sincerely hope they are doing well and look forward to welcoming them in the future. As a gesture of appreciation and support, eligible participants who were unable to attend may contact the Festival organizers to receive a participation credit that can be applied toward a future Washington International Arts Festival event, including the 2027 Festival.

Thank you for being part of this historic first chapter.

We look forward to welcoming everyone back for the 2027 Washington International Arts Festival as we continue our mission:

Empowering Global Dialogue Through Arts, Culture and Education

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