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Artfest Financing and Producing Animated Children's Series "Rhupert"

Major Television Syndicators and Retailers in Talks to Distribute "Rhupert"

Artfest International, Inc. (OTCBB: ARTS), a leading edge arts distribution company, announced it is financing the $4 million production of 13 episodes of "Rhupert," an animated children's series, which has commenced production. Artfest recently licensed the rights to Rhupert the Ostrich from creator and artist D. Arthur Wilson. Rhupert is a growing sensation in the literary and licensing world and has recently been adopted by The Peace Project as their official "Ambassador of Peace." Artfest's conservative projection for Rhubert marketing and merchandising revenues is $20 million per year, and is anticipated to become a legacy product for Artfest for many years to come.

Artfest's marketing and distribution strategy for Rhupert is to emulate the hugely successful Barney the Dinosaur phenomenon which was creating approximately $250 million in annual licensing revenues to its owners. The children's book "Little Red Rhupert" recently achieved great success with its launch at Art Channel Galleries and is currently being sold through major retail outlets including Borders® and Amazon.com. Rhupert's image is also being licensed worldwide, setting the stage for a global rollout of the animated series and merchandising. Bill Strother, world-renowned designer and producer, will be working with Artfest International to produce the animated series.

"I'm very excited to work with Edward again. Together we made money and history several times, with tours like Coca-Cola 'Rockolla' in 3D, and Coors Light 'Vivanativa' world tours. However, nothing touched our KISS 3D Psycho Circus Music video and concert production that was the highest grossing tour of that year, at over $300 million in sales!" explained Bill Strother, Artfest's Producer/Designer for the Rhupert animated series.

"Financially, this has huge potential to be a major homerun for Artfest. Our team has a track record of working with several branded children's characters including Barney. With Artfest having the rights to Rhupert, we are positioned to generate substantial revenues from syndication and licensing," stated Edward Vakser, Artfest International CEO.

"Moreover, when Bill Strother and I worked together last, we took a $4 million company and built it into a $150 million revenue generator within 12 months. He is extremely talented and when combined with the loveable character created by D. Arthur Wilson, we have a winning proposition," concluded Vakser.

D. Arthur Wilson's work is exhibited throughout the world in galleries as well as private collections. His largest collection of Rhupert originals can be viewed at Artfest Expo Center in Dallas, Texas. Wilson describes Rhupert, an ostrich, as the embodiment of all that is human... well sort of. Rhupert can best be summed up by Oscar Wilde's famous paradoxical quote: "Life is too important, to be taken seriously!" Rhupert is long on looks but short on the upstart. He's lovable, loyal and elegant. He's also clueless, per-snippety, yet totally superior. For more information, please visit www.rhupert.com and www.theglobalpeaceproject.com.

About Artfest International, Inc.

Artfest International, Inc. is a publicly traded Company under the stock symbol "ARTS." Artfest brings together artists, investors, decorators, designers, private collectors and art galleries. Artfest International's corporate site is www.artfestinternational.com. Artfest's subsidiaries are Art Channel, Inc. www.artchannel.tv, and Art Channel Galleries, Inc. www.ArtChannelGalleries.com, offering the most exciting product and rewards program in the history of direct sales marketing.

Safe Harbor Statement -- This release includes forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 27E of the Securities Act of 1934. Statements contained in this release that are not historical facts may be deemed to be forward-looking statements. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain. Actual performance and results may differ materially from that projected or suggested herein due to certain risks and uncertainties including, without limitation, ability to obtain financing and regulatory and shareholder approvals for anticipated actions. Such statements are based on management's current expectations and are subject to certain factors, risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, events and performance to differ materially from those referred to or implied by such statements. In addition, actual or future results may differ materially from those anticipated depending on a variety of factors, including continued maintenance of favorable license arrangements, success of market research identifying new product opportunities, successful introduction of new products, continued product innovation, sales and earnings growth, ability to attract and retain key personnel, and general economic conditions affecting consumer spending. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. ARTS does not intend to update any of the forward-looking statements after the date of this release to conform these statements to actual results or to changes in its expectations, except as may be required by law.