Art and Philanthropy Unite at the 2026 Highlight International Arts Festival in Santa Ana
SANTA ANA, Calif., June 8, 2026 — The 2026 Highlight International Arts Festival was successfully held on June 6 at the Historic Key Courtyard of the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana. Organized by the U.S. Highlight International Art Center Foundation, the festival adopted the theme “A Mobile Space-Time of Art,” transforming the museum’s outdoor garden into a dynamic cultural stage showcasing artistic traditions from across centuries and continents.
More than 600 attendees enjoyed a diverse program featuring martial arts, Peking opera, traditional Chinese and ethnic dances, intangible cultural heritage fashion shows, Latin dance, and contemporary music performances. Art exhibitions, calligraphy displays, handcrafted works, and youth innovation showcases lined the courtyard’s arcades, creating an immersive cultural experience.
Irvine City Councilmember Melinda Liu attended the event and praised the festival for promoting cultural understanding and community engagement. She also recognized over 300 youth volunteers for their dedication to public service and presented certificates of recognition to organizers and youth leaders Brian Yan and Yutong Zhang.
Bowers Museum President and CEO Dr. Sean O’Harrow welcomed guests, highlighting the museum’s 90th anniversary and its long-standing commitment to celebrating human creativity. He expressed enthusiasm for future collaborations that support both established and emerging artists.
The festival also featured charitable art exhibitions and fundraising activities, including artwork created by special-needs youth. Organizers said the event continues to serve as a platform that connects artists, community organizations, businesses, and young volunteers through the shared values of culture, creativity, and service.
Lily Li, Director of the Highlight International Art Center, said the festival has evolved over three years from a mission of bringing hope to those in need into a community-wide movement. “Art has become a bridge that connects people across languages, cultures, and backgrounds, inspiring mutual respect, inclusion, and positive change,” she said.
