Kendal Arts International (KAI) was set up in 2006 to create, produce and promote international quality outdoor arts events and festivals from street theatre to large-scale outdoor performance and outdoor installations. It is a Not-for-profit Company, Limited by Guarantee.

From 2007 - 2009 Mintfest was KAI's main annual project, successfully drawing thousands of people to Kendal for a weekend of international quality street arts. Other projects have included the WOW Factor 2006-08 on the shores of Windermere and Lakes Alive (piloted in 2008), a series of events across South Lakeland. 

From 2012, KAI will become one of Arts Council England's National Portfolio Organisations. These are organisations which the Arts Council consider to have an outstanding track record of achievement which evidences their potential contribution to achieving ACE's goals.

Julie Tait, Director of Kendal Arts International, says: "We are delighted to have been awarded national portfolio organisation status from 2012. It is acknowledgement of the quality and potential of our work and, in particular, of the significant impact the Lakes Alive programme has made in just 2 years."

"This funding will enable us to start to plan now for the legacy of the programme and for new developments within Kendal Arts International's work in the future. It also sends an important signal that the outdoor arts have a vital role to play in this country in making great art accessible to everyone."

KAI works in partnership with Manchester International Arts to deliver the highest quality street arts experiences across Cumbria, the Lake District. 

KAI is a member of ISAN, the Independent Street Arts Network and a member of Without Walls, a consortium of 8 of the UK's most strategically significant outdoor arts festivals.  

KAI is a not-for-profit company limited by guarantee no. 6036312