Vision and History
Why we do it: Art matters. We envision our region as a place where impactful, artful experiences contribute directly to the quality of life for everyone and are embraced as essential for the entire community.
How we do it: We talk and make art. We envision the Festival as a safe place for the open exchange of creativity and dialogue, ideas and participation.
What we do: We present everything from “fun” to “wow factor.” We envision a full spectrum of programming that collectively creates vibrancy throughout downtown Pittsburgh, provides respite and fun, and evokes a sense of awe and wonder.
Founded in 1960 by the Women’s Committee of the Carnegie Museum of Art, Three Rivers Arts Festival has presented, during its vast and varied history, more than 10,000 visual and performing artists and entertained millions of residents and visitors. Such notable and memorable stage performances have included Ella Fitzgerald, Phillip Glass, Steven Reich, Smokey Robinson as well as literary legends Allen Ginsberg and Spalding Gray. Contemporary dance artists Bill T. Jones and Arnie Zane, Lar Lubovitch, Pucci:Sport and many others have performed, and within recent past, concerts have featured Brandi Carlile, Norah Jones, The Avett Brothers, Wilco, Sonic Youth, The Wailers, India.Arie, and the Black Keys.
Among the long list of visual artists who have graced the Festival galleries and public exhibition spaces, noted visionaries have included Otto Piene, Louise Nevelson, Keith Haring, and Nam June Paik. Today the cultural legacy of the visual arts program of the Festival can be seen throughout the city with permanent, commissioned works: Clement Meadmore’s “Up and Away”; Kenneth Snelson’s “Forest Devil”; and “Pittsburgh” by John Henry located in Frank Curto Park alongside Bigelow Boulevard.
In 2009, Three Rivers Arts Festival faced a new turning point in its history as a production of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust, further advancing the shared mission of each organization to foster economic development through the arts and to enhance the quality of life in the region.
