Lotus Education & Arts Foundation

Lotus Education & Arts Foundation Lotus brings the world to South Central Indiana with year-round global music and art programming. Get involved!
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The 29th annual Lotus World Music & Arts Festival is September 22 - 25, 2022. The Lotus Education & Arts Foundation is a not-for-profit 501(c)3 organization based in Bloomington, Indiana (est. 1994). Our mission is to create opportunities to experience, celebrate, and explore the diversity of the world’s cultures, through music and the arts. Lotus fulfills this mission through three major areas –

our flagship music festival, arts-education outreach, and visual arts. At its heart, Lotus is about making the world a better place by inviting dialogue, by building bridges through curiosity and discovery and conversation, and most of all by inspiring human connections that transcend geography, religion, language, and ethnicity. Since its inception, Lotus has brought the wider world to the doorstep of hundreds of thousands of young people and adults throughout southern Indiana. Visit lotusfest.org for information on upcoming events, or learn how you can support the Lotus mission with a tax-deductible gift or business sponsorship.

We love the Windfall Dancers! Check out this amazing opportunity to discover yourself through the art of dance and conne...
06/11/2026

We love the Windfall Dancers! Check out this amazing opportunity to discover yourself through the art of dance and connect with some of the inspirational artists in our community.

Get In, We're going to the Warehouse! Thank you to Organized Living for supporting Lotus and for storing our party year ...
06/11/2026

Get In, We're going to the Warehouse! Thank you to Organized Living for supporting Lotus and for storing our party year round. :) We could not keep the celebration alive without you, your team and especially Bob! Bob is the best. If I were ever in an emergency I would first call my mom but then I would call Bob, then maybe 911. Bob is an unofficial Lotus volunteer from their willingness to help us even when they've been in the Warehouse from the earliest of AM's. Thank you to and your team for always going the extra mile, and for guiding Lotus with not just your golf cart but your spirit.

Good Morning Neighbors, Friends, Followers, Lovers of Lotus! Let's add a little joy to the cup of joe of yours.  We woul...
06/11/2026

Good Morning Neighbors, Friends, Followers, Lovers of Lotus! Let's add a little joy to the cup of joe of yours. We would love to introduce the - Chaz Mottinger as the new Lotus Production Manager! *crowd roars*

Fueled by their love for the arts and the occasional coffee, Chaz is one of Bloomington's biggest creative cheerleaders. She's spent years supporting local artists, musicians, and community projects, and they're always happy to help however they can.

Need advice? A friendly face? Someone to help make things happen? As the song goes, "I'll be there for you" and Chaz absolutely will. *crowd applauses*

This is great news to for everyone including folks who highly reminisce on Lotus in the Park Activities! This year Chaz will be managing the popular, family friendly, arts camp and the arts village for the festival. We are currently seeking local organizations to help create a free, family-friendly afternoon as part of the Lotus Festival on Saturday, October 3rd on the Courthouse Square lawn!

This event builds on the spirit of Lotus in the Park and is now fully integrated into the festival weekend.

Participate by hosting:
A hands-on craft or activity
A demonstration
An interactive experience for all ages

Join us in creating an engaging, welcoming space for families and festivalgoers to connect, learn, and celebrate together.

Interested? Contact Chaz Mottinger at [email protected] to get involved!

Join us every Wednesday in June from 11AM - 1 PM and from 7PM - 9PM to take part in our Lantern making activity! Check o...
06/11/2026

Join us every Wednesday in June from 11AM - 1 PM and from 7PM - 9PM to take part in our Lantern making activity! Check out the details on Lotusfest.org/events.

Join a committee and help us transform downtown Bloomington into Lotus Fest, a celebration of the world’s diversity thro...
06/10/2026

Join a committee and help us transform downtown Bloomington into Lotus Fest, a celebration of the world’s diversity through music and art.

How can it be a celebration of the world without you? We believe the magic happens when people come together, and we’re building something meaningful side by side.

All of our committees are open to the public, with callouts for anyone ready to get involved and dive a little deeper. Whether it’s Venues, Festival Support, or the Visual Arts Committee, there is a place for you in the process.

Follow lotusfest.org/events for more information.

If you have ever volunteered for Lotus please share your favorite memory with us! We want to hear the stories about the ...
06/10/2026

If you have ever volunteered for Lotus please share your favorite memory with us! We want to hear the stories about the party, the energy, the joy that was captured by you. Share your story and tag us .

It takes over 500 volunteers annually to make Lotus, Lotus. From Blossoms to the Festival to the year round supporters. Thank you for your time, dedication, and passion that fuels the celebration....We are so excited to introduce our 2026 Lotus Fest Volunteer Coordinator.... Extending their campaign from 2025 Lotus Fest we have.... TODD RIGGINS - . *crowd goes wild*

Fun Fact About Todd. He Loves Recycling. He's so cool a goats been named after him. Talk about being the GOAT. You can find other Todd out at the . Todd also is an educator at Harmony School. Not only is he helping us do cool things with this upcoming Lotus Fest October 1st - 4th 2026. He is inspiring the next generation to also... volunteer for Lotus. :)

Be apart of the dream team . Follow Lotusfest.org for details on when to sign up!

What is your favorite Lotus memory?The harmonies of Vásen? The infectious energy of Balkan Beat Box? A chance encounter ...
06/10/2026

What is your favorite Lotus memory?
The harmonies of Vásen? The infectious energy of Balkan Beat Box? A chance encounter with a musician from halfway around the world? Maybe it was the art in the streets, the dancing crowds, or the feeling that for one weekend, anything is possible.
Maybe your favorite part wasn't a performance at all.
Join us October 1–4, 2026, for what promises to be an unforgettable Lotus World Music & Arts Festival.
This year the Parade returns!
But we need your help.
Help us transform downtown Bloomington into a moving work of art.
On Saturday, October 3, 2026, at 8:30 PM, during the Festival-wide break, artists, community groups, performers, makers, dreamers, and neighbors are invited to dance, sing, jive, parade, and celebrate around the Courthouse Square with visually stunning creations that reflect the spirit of Lotus and our global community.

Leading the parade will be the incredible FUGU DUGU, bringing rhythm, energy, and celebration to this community-wide experience.
Participation is completely FREE.
ALL WELCOME... just be cool.

Interested in participating? Contact KP at [email protected] to reserve your spot.
We're also looking for creative leaders to join the Visual Arts Committee and help shape the vision, design, and magic of the parade experience.

Want to get involved now?
Join us every Wednesday evening in June from 7:00 PM–9:00 PM as the Visual Arts Committee gathers to craft lanterns for the Trail of Luminaria and create the visual elements that will bring Lotus 2026 to life. No experience necessary—just bring your creativity and community spirit.

Together, let's create a moment people will be talking about for years to come.
Follow LotusFest.org for meeting details, parade updates, and more ways to get involved.

We are feeling so grateful we can bring music to these kids.  It is an incredible feeling to have the ability to share t...
06/08/2026

We are feeling so grateful we can bring music to these kids. It is an incredible feeling to have the ability to share the experience and connect children to the not only the music but the traditions that came together to inspire.

Join us for a pop-up Best in Show Improv Pet Fashion Special this Friday evening in the Lotus Firebay (105 S. Rogers Blo...
06/05/2026

Join us for a pop-up Best in Show Improv Pet Fashion Special this Friday evening in the Lotus Firebay (105 S. Rogers Bloomington, IN). Doors open at 6:30 PM. Featuring some amazing local comics and talent. Come out and help us pick the best in show during the 4th and rogers block party!

It takes a village to make a village! ..We are going to have a series of lantern making workshops where we will explore ...
06/01/2026

It takes a village to make a village! ..We are going to have a series of lantern making workshops where we will explore the world of Paper mache and occasionally other (sometimes questionably) sourced materials that will fill the 2026 Lotus Festival with Light. :)

We will have an all ages session in the mornings welcoming everyone even children... However if you want to vibe with adults only - our Visual Arts Committee will be hosting a weekly workshop for adults only on Wednesday nights.

Then this Friday! Join us during the 4th and Rogers Block Party for a few fun filled surprises. Trust me, they will be the good kind of ruff.

Subscribe to our newsletter at Lotusfest.org. Share with friends and strangers, let's party together!

THANK YOU to Kathleen Suelzer our Visual Arts and Event Coordination Intern for making these graphics to use on the socials :)

Address

105 S. Rogers Street
Bloomington, IN
47404

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