VCU to host 2004 Intercultural Festival

By Malorie Burkett

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RICHMOND, Va. – Virginia Commonwealth University's tradition of celebrating the diversity and culture of VCU students and the university's surrounding communities will take place Sunday, April 4 during the 2004 Intercultural Festival (ICF).

Pictured right, two international students from Kuwait play a traditional Arabic instrument called "oud."

This year's festival theme is "Culture Shock," which ICF officials say encompasses the excitement and learning that is vital to bringing together fun and education. "The Intercultural Festival is a gateway to showcase the talents and cultures of the ethnically diverse populations at VCU, while offering others an opportunity to explore diversity at an intimate level," said Dr. Napoleon Peoples, VCU's director of Multicultural Student Affairs.

Free and open to the public, the 2004 Intercultural Festival will be held 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. in VCU's Park Plaza. Some of this year's festival activities will include cultural stage performances; VCU art student showcases; ethnic cuisines from local restaurants; a cultural fashion show; free dance lessons; children's activities, crafts and door prizes. 

Pictured above, HuiLing E. Wong, VCU student and member of Hindu Students Council sets up a display booth with information on Hinduism and how religion and culture interrelate. Photos by Jacqui Capriglione, VCU Intercultural Festival.

VCU has celebrated the festival for more than 10 years. Since its inception, the festival has become a university-wide event that grows each year. In 2003, ICF was deemed an official VCU tradition by the VCU Academic Campus Student Government Association.

The VCU Intercultural Festival has received numerous awards from the Division of Student Affairs for its contribution to the university and the community, including the 2001 Outstanding Entertainment Program Award and the 2002 Outstanding Educational Program Award.

"This festival demonstrates how VCU has been committed to attracting diverse ethnic groups while allowing others to see these efforts," said Peoples. "More than anything, it shows how these diverse populations can work collaboratively throughout the year to develop a dynamic and creative festival."

The VCU Intercultural Festival was established to unite VCU and the communities that surround the university as well as to raise cultural awareness – all while enjoying VCU's creativity and cultural diversity.

The VCU Intercultural Festival is sponsored by the Office of Multicultural Student Affairs within the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Services, and the Student Government Association. For more information, call 804-828-6672, or visit http://www.studentorg.vcu.edu/icf/.