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Press Release

October 1, 2024

Access Media Engagement Center

 

FusionFest Gearing Up for 20,000 Strong at Orange County’s Largest Grassroots Celebration of Diversity – A Free Community Event - Nov 30 and Dec 1 Seneff Plaza in Downtown Orlando

 

Orlando, Florida - FusionFest returns for its seventh year, bringing together the vibrant cultures, talents, and stories that make Central Florida an epicenter of multiculturalism and creativity. Scheduled for November 30th (10am to 8pm) and 26th (12pm to 6pm) at the scenic Seneff Arts Plaza, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, this free community festival is a monumental testament to community unity, respect, and understanding. Attendance is planned for 20,000, and the festival is organized by a grassroot collection of 500 local organizations and individuals.

 

FusionFest is a celebration of the vast array of cultures that enrich the region, through a spectrum of activities ranging from food and fashion showcases to artistic displays, films, and performances. FusionFest is a project of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs, aiming to promote the beauty and depth of every culture that calls Central Florida home.

 

FusionFest promises a whirlwind of cultural experiences, transporting attendees across continents. Dive deep into global connections with country meet-ups, marvel at rich cultural displays, and relish family activities in the Family Village. A heritage fashion showcase illuminates the runway, while a field of international flags and Find-a-Friend Flowers foster connections. Culinary explorers can sample global cuisines and join fun games or be entranced by giant puppet friends. FusionFest features global exchanges, haiku contests, and an international marketplace, along with immersive shows, a village for kids, and film screenings. There's music, dance, and storytelling, with grand showcases, interactive experiences, scavenger hunts, and silent world dance parties.

 

The festival isn't just about watching; it's about participation, learning, and celebration.  There are over 30 unique cultural activations taking place at FusionFest – click here for a full list and schedule of events. Some highlights include:

 

 

• FusionFest Citizenship Ceremony: Kickstarting the festival is the FusionFest Citizenship Ceremony, an emotionally charged moment when dozens pledge their loyalty and mark this momentous step in their American journey/

• Kaleidoscope – Experience the Wonders of Creative Collaboration: FusionFest’s most captivating show, curated and produced by Orlando’s own CeCe Teneal. This awe-inspiring piece is at the heart of FusionFest’s vision,

• Visual Arts Gallery - A visual masterpiece that reaches around the globe to reveal how the "artists share their culture in color compositions.

• MYgration Films: An incredible opportunity for filmmakers and subjects to come together and share stories of migration, perspectives, and cultural intertwining. The popular annual competition seeks to capture the stories of Central Floridians from around the world in short five-minute documentary films. View 2024 MYgration films on the Massey stage, throughout FusionFest.

• Multicultural Choir Concert Closing: Under the leadership of Grammy-Award-winning conductor Jeffery Redding, the festival will reach a crescendo with songs radiating hope and happiness.

• Foods of the World & Fusion Food: Embark on an unmatched culinary journey, tasting dishes from renowned international chefs. A haven for food enthusiasts, with a detailed list of foods soon to be unveiled.

 

"Tasting the vibrancy of over 110 cultures converging in one space is nothing short of electric. At FusionFest, every dance step, every note, every color represents the heartbeat of Central Florida's diverse community. It's truly inspiring to witness so many cultures come together, not just to showcase their unique talents but to forge connections and celebrate our collective human story," says Terry Olson, FusionFest, Co-Founder

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We are grateful to our sponsors, including Orange County Government, National Endowment for the Arts, Florida Division of Arts & Culture, United Arts of Central Florida, Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts, Downtown Orlando, 26Health, Massey Services, Creative Gift Foundation, The Allen Family Foundation, Central Florida Foundation, DeVos Family Foundation, Ginsburg Family Foundation, Orlando Magic and New York Life - all playing pivotal roles. It's through these hyper local relationships we maintain our commitment to fostering grassroots events that enrich and enliven our community.

 

FusionFest Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization with the mission to celebrate the people and the many different cultures that make Central Florida awesome by showcasing talents, sharing stories, driving innovation, and building community based on respect and understanding. FusionFest is a project of the Orange County Office of Arts & Cultural Affairs. www.fusionfest.org

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Contact: Paula Wyatt Paula@AnythingisPoshAble.com - 321 946 6565