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GoggleWorks and Kutztown Folk Festival Announce Partnership

May 02, 2023

Art Center to Bring Vibrant Programs to Renowned Folklife Festival

GoggleWorks Center for the Arts and Kutztown Folk Festival announced a partnership that will bring renowned artists and a host of new interactive programs to the longstanding festival, scheduled for July 1 through July 9, 2023.

“We are thrilled to partner with GoggleWorks and bring their innovative art programs to the Kutztown Folk Festival,” said Heather Zimmerman, executive director of the Kutztown Folk Festival. “We believe that this partnership will enhance the festival experience for our attendees and provide a unique opportunity to engage with art in a hands-on way.”

The Kutztown Folk Festival, now in its 73rd year, is a celebration of Pennsylvania Dutch culture and tradition, and attracts visitors from across the country to its site at Kutztown Fairgrounds each summer. This year GoggleWorks, a factory-turned-art center, will activate a large pavilion where festival attendees will have opportunities to engage with a variety of art forms through demonstrations, workshops, make-and-take programs, and kids’ activities.

“Our artists are passionate about sharing their expertise in ages-old art processes through innovative programs that inspire and engage the community in new ways,” said Levi Landis, executive director of GoggleWorks. “This partnership is the perfect opportunity to do just that.” The GoggleWorks pavilion will feature renowned artists and a variety of equipment and tools from 10 teaching studios at its headquarters in downtown Reading including a mobile glassblowing furnace, a ceramics wheel, warm glass torches, gardening activities, drawing & painting kiosks, and more.

“The partnership with the Kutztown Folk Festival is an example of how GoggleWorks is committed to engaging new audiences through creative experiences,” said Maggie Gallen, GoggleWorks program director. The art center began offering outdoor mobile programs for community events in public spaces during the pandemic. “In 2022, GoggleWorks offered 42 admission-free mobile programs for over 15,000 participants,” said Gallen. “This opportunity will expand our unique, off-site art programs throughout the region.”

For more information about GoggleWorks’ participation in the 2023 Kutztown Folk Festival visit www.kutztownfestival.com.

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