WASHINGTON (AFP) ― The renowned Kennedy Center venue in the U.S. capital will next year host dozens of artists and performing companies from Nordic countries to celebrate the region’s theater, dance, music, and food.

The “Nordic Cool 2013” festival in February and March next year will feature visiting artists from Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway, Sweden, Greenland, Faroe Islands, the center announced Tuesday.

Among the highlights will be classical music shows, ballet performances, contemporary design exhibitions, literary conferences, film screenings and cooking demonstrations, showcasing the region for an American audience.

“Seeking to answer the question of what is ‘Nordic,’ the festival aspires to offer clarity on a region of the world whose dynamic culture and creative economy have seemed elusive to many, particularly in America,” said the center.