The 9th Annual International Institute's Festival of Nations was an unprecedented success! Tower Grove Park was filled to its brim with more than 100,000 people who came together for a multicultural of dance, music, food and fun. A festivalgoer called it "Everybody's party!" More than 70 cultures were represented in the Festival's dance, art, food, crafts, music and sport.
There were some special volunteers at the Festival of Nations this year ?five newly arrived refugees from Bhutan gave their time in Citizens' Square, a civic engagement activity center. These refugees were resettled by the International Institute St. Louis less than a year ago, and they are already giving back! One Bhutanese volunteer, Rangha, said "It was wonderful to volunteer in the United States of America." You can read more about the Bhutanese refugee situation here.
"Annually, Festival of Nations is St. Louis' chance to showcase its growing ethnic and cultural diversity," said Ann Crosslin, president and CEO of the International Institute, the festival producer. "At the festival we can all share our cultures and learn to appreciate how individual differences can become a community strength."
2008 Festival of Nations Sponsors
Missouri Arts Council, Regional Arts Commission, HUD Healthy Homes, Anheuser Busch, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, National City Bank, Boeing, Webster University, Arts & Education Council, Target, Emerson, AmerenUE, The Lawrence Group, US Bank, Willert Home Products
Media Sponsors
KWMU, KDHX, Riverfront Times, SabaH, African Business Directory & News, Bosnian Media Group, Hispanic St. Louis, El Mundo Latino, St. Louis Chinese American News, Jewish in St. Louis, Il Pensiero
About the International Institute:
The International Institute St. Louis works to strengthen the St. Louis community by guiding immigrants and refugees along a path to self-sufficiency. Over 200 staff and volunteers achieve this goal through services such as English classes, job placement assistance and mental health care. To learn more about IISTL services, view current volunteer opportunities and comment on St. Louis' deep cultural heritage visit our newly redesigned website @ www.iistl.org. |
