VCU To Host 2007 Intercultural Festival

By Mike Porter

Virginia Commonwealth University will celebrate the diversity and culture of its students and the surrounding community during the 2007 Intercultural Festival.

The 2007 VCU Intercultural Festival takes place Sunday, April 15, 2007, from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m., at the University Student Commons Plaza, 907 Floyd Ave.  All activities are free and open to the public.

The festival includes a variety of food vendors, cultural displays and performances, fashion shows, student-produced art exhibitions, interactive booths, lessons in ethnic dance, games, crafts, children's activities and door prizes. A parade will be held on campus on Saturday, April 14, starting at 2 p.m. It forms in the VV parking lot at the corner of Floyd Avenue and Harrison Street and will wrap around the VCU Campus.

This year's festival also includes a charity concert on Saturday, April 14, from 7 p.m. until 11 p.m. at the University Student Commons Plaza.  "East Meets West On Saturday Evening" features performances of classical dances from southern India by Mythili Prakash and 70s Funk, Rhythm and Blues, and disco music by "Souler Coaster," a nine- piece band.  Admission is $5 with proceeds benefiting the Children's World Hunger Relief Fund.

The VCU Intercultural Festival began informally more than a decade ago to unite VCU and surrounding neighborhoods as well as to raise cultural awareness and celebrate VCU's creativity and cultural diversity. The festival was recognized as an official tradition at VCU in 2003.

Last year, more than 40 student organizations participated and more than 4,500 students attended. The festival is organized and run entirely by student volunteers.

The Office of Multicultural Student Affairs within the Division for Student Affairs and Enrollment services, and the Student Government Association sponsor the VCU Intercultural Festival.  For more information about the festival and the preceding week's activities, call 804.828.6672, or visit http://www.vcuicf.org.