About

This fall, Pittsburgh’s Cultural District welcomes U.S., North American, and World Premieres during the Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts, September 21 – November 11, 2018.

Featuring 30 international companies and artists from 20 countries, including representation from Pittsburgh’s own arts community, the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s Festival of Firsts will electrify downtown with never-before-seen theater, dance, music, visual arts and immersive experiences.

These are the ones you can’t describe in words.

The Festival captivated millions of visitors in 2004, 2008, and 2013, reinforcing the city’s reputation as a premier global destination for arts, entertainment, and culture.

This time around, the Trust has doubled the Festival’s length and tripled its attractions, presenting more than 500 opportunities for everyone – locals and visitors alike – to experience groundbreaking international works in Pittsburgh.

These are the ones that will change you.


Karla Boos
Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Guest Curator, Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts
Artistic Director, Quantum Theatre

Curatorial Team
Scott Shiller
Murray Horne
Terri Bell
Tracy L. Edmunds
Pamela Komar
Randal P. Miller
Sarah Aziz
Kelsey Ford
Aaron Rodden
Sarah Gilmer
Seth Laidlaw
Susan Sternberger
Janis Burley Wilson


The Pittsburgh International Festival of Firsts is generously supported by:
Claude Worthington Benedum Foundation
Cultural Services of the French Embassy
Danish Arts Foundation
Richard King Mellon Foundation
The Buhl Foundation
The Opportunity Fund
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