With the new year quickly approaching, it’s time to mark your calendar for the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts presented by AT&T. Returning Jan. 13 through Feb. 20, 2023, at Walt Disney World Resort, the festival is a global celebration of culinary, visual and performing arts.

I’m excited to share some fantastic news. This year’s festival will feature a lineup of new artists that will immerse you in beautiful artwork filled with color, expression and soul. Here’s a sample of some of the amazing new and returning talent coming to the festival:

Larissa Marantz is an illustrator, cartoonist and educator who strives to create visually alluring images and enjoys teaching students of various ages how to do the same. Yesenia Moises is an Afro-Latina children’s book illustrator and toy designer who proudly portrays people of diverse backgrounds playing leading roles in fantasy adventures.

The work of Ryan Riller, an animator and illustrator, is featured in Disney Junior’s “Whisker Haven Tales.”  Joe Ledbetter is known for his distinctive style in painting and vinyl toy design. He has created a spectacular cast of creatures used to anthropomorphize the human condition.

Visual art will come to life with prints, canvases and books by Kahran and Regis Bethencourt, the faces behind CreativeSoul Photography. The husband-and-wife team aims to empower children of color by highlighting their beauty and uniqueness. Going beyond snapshots, they create thought-provoking art showcasing kids across the African Diaspora.

In all, more than 100 Disney and visiting artists will participate in the festival including guest favorites Dylan Bonner, Fenway Fan, Jerrod Maruyama and Ashley Taylor. Guests can also experience the long-awaited return of House of Blues and Promenade Fine Arts (previously called Wyland Galleries).

Today, we’re also giving you a first look at some of the new Figment-inspired festival merchandise. Expressive, colorful and featuring a touch of magic, the assortment is perfect for the whole family. My favorite items include the Spirit Jersey, Figment Chalkboard Framed Mug, Figment Munchlings and Figment CORKCICLE Tumbler. Brought to life by an array of colors, this collection is the embodiment of embracing your creative side.

As we shared with you last month, the popular DISNEY ON BROADWAY Concert Series returns, with three shows each evening headlined by Broadway stars performing beloved songs from more than 25 years of award-winning stage productions. Visit ArtfulEPCOT.com now for dining packages to pair with concert performances.

The EPCOT International Festival of the Arts is included with valid theme park admission and a park reservation for the same date. And remember, there’s still time to enjoy the Walt Disney World Resort 50th Anniversary  celebration now through Mar. 31, 2023.  Stay tuned to the Disney Parks Blog for more news as we look ahead to the EPCOT International Festival of the Arts.