Gallatin Arts Festivals

← Back to EXHIBITIOn Archive

The Gallatin Arts Festival is a community-wide celebration of the unique artistry and interdisciplinary scholarship of students at NYU’s Gallatin School. The festival features student work in the visual arts, performing arts, and beyond. GAF serves as a galvanizing springboard for action and discussion through the creation and presentation of artistic work. Held in Gallatin’s gallery and performance spaces, the Festival is a forum for the artistic vision of our students.

Our Mission

The Gallatin Arts Festival is a week-long, community-wide celebration of the unique artistry and interdisciplinary scholarship of students at NYU’s Gallatin School. The festival features student work in the visual and performing arts and serves as a galvanizing force and springboard for action and discussion through the creation and presentation of artistic work.

Our History

The Gallatin Arts Festival originated in 1992 as a collaborative effort between Professor Laurin Raiken and graduate student Barry Spanier. Under Professor Raiken’s guidance, Spanier developed the festival as part of his master’s thesis. Since then GAF has expanded into the largest public event sponsored by the Gallatin School. GAF provides hands-on opportunities for students to gain knowledge of the process required to produce a multidisciplinary arts festival. Under guidance from members of the arts faculty and student affairs, the Student Leadership Team serves as the primary support for the festival. GAF is a learning experience emphasizing the development of ideas and collaborative innovation.