Young people from all over the world will gather in Rio de Janeiro for World Youth
Day in July next year. And they won’t just be pilgrims. In fact, in the WYD Art Festival,
young people will have the chance to let the world discover their special talents
in the arts, theatre, dance and music. Registration for the three categories (Music,
Performing Arts and Exhibition) will be open until December 15th.
To take part
in the Art Festival, groups should respect certain criteria like being coherent with
the Church’s Magisterium and high quality. As for musicians, only lyrics with a Catholic
theme will be accepted though groups will be able to play in whatever musical style
or tradition they choose.
The venues will be chosen by the WYD organization
among Rio de Janeiro’s most important locations within the art circuit. Selected groups
may not be registered as pilgrim’s groups. Final results and venues will be announced
in early March 2013.
The Art Festival will not coincide with catechesis and
activities scheduled in the WYD and aims to establish a dialogue between faith and
culture. The WYD Art Festival dates back to the 1997 Paris edition.