May 1972

Fine Arts Festival Poster

The Fort Wayne Fine Arts Foundation was formed in 1955 to serve primarily as a United Arts fundraising agency, the third such agency to be formed in the United States. Providing funds to support its member organizations to foster a favorable atmosphere for the arts in Fort Wayne were the principles upon which the organization was founded. In support of this mission the Fine Arts Festival was started on 17 May 1958. Free workshops, films, demonstrations, art exhibitions, architectural exhibits, and more, celebrated the arts at Franke Park.

Popular with both children and adults, the Fine Arts Festival enjoyed a seventeen-year run in Franke Park. After a brief time at the Performing Arts Center, the Fine Arts Festival found a new home on the campus of Indiana University-Purdue University at Fort Wayne from 1986 to 1990. In 1988, the name of the Fine Arts Foundation was changed to Arts United of Greater Fort Wayne to reflect changes in the organization and improve visibility within the community. Arts United today continues to be an important source of support for the arts in the area.

This heavy stock paper poster features an ink-printed design. Four concentric blue circles surround the lettered "World of Arts," and two Art Nouveau style women flank "1972 Fine Arts Festival" in blue lettering. The poster is dated May 25-29 and Franke Park is printed in black at the bottom outside of the border.